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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Dara causes upset in Tetratema

Sat 8th Mar 2014, 18:02

Loch Dara (Declan Queally) jumps the lastLoch Dara (Declan Queally) jumps the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Mossey Joe justified favouritism 12 months ago but this time it was the bookmakers who were all smiles as Loch Dara landed the prestigious Derek Lyng & Sports Injury Surgery Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park.

The Len Whitmore-trained eight-year-old gelding, sent off an unconsidered 20/1 chance, only made his debut a year ago in the point-to-point sphere.

He scored between the flags at Ballysteen before adding to that success in a hunter chase at Wexford in November but a couple of outings since seemed to underline his limitations.

However the lightly-raced son of Winged Love led away from the second last under Declan Queally, and held on under pressure on the run-in by half a length from the rallying Davy From Milan Burren River the 15/8 favourite, faded approaching the last to finish a further 12 lengths back in third. Quel Esprit (4/1) was weak in the market, dropped out quickly after making the running and was pulled up before four out. He was found to be lame post-race.

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.