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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Jackie Brown narrowly denies Cross Border in tight finish

Fri 22nd Nov 2024, 18:01

Jackie Brown and James Ryan Jackie Brown and James Ryan
© Photo Healy Racing

A good week for trainer Tony Martin got even better as Jackie Brown was called the winner following a tight finish to the Now Racing Every Wednesday At Dundalk Handicap.

A consistent filly in recent months, the four-year-old was recording just a second career win, her first on this surface.

Travelling nicely throughout under champion apprentice James Ryan, the 5/1 chance was produced to lead over a furlong out.

However, Cross Border arrived upsides inside the last 150 yards, edging ahead before idling somewhat, allowing the eventual winner get back up to win by a nose.

Tony Martin said: "She got there a bit early.

"She should have won in Navan one day. She made amends there tonight, lucky enough.

"She wasn't winning out of turn.

"You'd have to keep her going up here."

When asked if he thought she had won, he replied: "No, she went by me in front alright but the last 50 yards I thought the other lad had nailed us.

"Lucky enough, her head was down on the line. Another stride and the other one was up.

"We didn't have the rub of the green last Friday, we had it tonight. What goes around, comes around."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

1st
5/1
Tote €6.00 €1.80
2nd
nose
15/2
€2.90
3rd
0.5L
4/1JFav
€2.00
4th
shd
4/1JFav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.