18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Maggie Walsh takes Tramore handicap in familiar Bowe colours

Sat 3rd Jun 2023, 19:52

Maggie Walsh and Cian Quirke win the Comeragh handicap Hurdle Maggie Walsh and Cian Quirke win the Comeragh handicap Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

The Bowe family colours, which will forever be remembered by racing legends such as Limestone Lad and Solerina, made a welcome return to the winners' enclosure when Maggie Walsh stayed on strongly to claim the Comeragh Wildlife Park Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.

A winner at Fairyhouse in January, the six-year-old had disappointed on three subsequent starts but was right back to her best on this return from a three month break.

Travelling easily running down into the dip, the mare led before the last flight and had enough in reserve to see off the late challenge of Wendell's Lass

Trainer Michael Bowe said: "She won her maiden hurdle on heavy ground and today was very good ground, so she is versatile. She was carrying condition after a bit of a break, which did her the world of good. Some people even asked me was she in-foal. That's just her build though, she is a deep girthed mare.

"She has a bit of quality and a bit of class. When you get a good Dylan Thomas they are real good, but when you get a bad one they are real bad. At least you know where you stand with them!

"She done a lot of schooling in Johnstown on Michelle Gannon's gallop. She tanked it up that gallop a few times. She was much better doing her homework and wasn't bringing it to the track. She is bringing it to the track now though.

"She will keep going for the summer, as she is health and sound. She is a lovely mare to have and is a great character. She has a big white face, you'd see her coming, she is flashy."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

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.