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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Magniffico wins a three-way thrust for line

Sat 25th Sep 2021, 16:13

Magniffico, centre, fends off Mumayaz, right, and Keel Bay, leftMagniffico, centre, fends off Mumayaz, right, and Keel Bay, left
© Photo Healy Racing

Magniffico (7/2) held on to win a thrilling renewal of the six-furlong nursery at the Curragh.

Ben Coen 's mount was strongly pressed on both sides by Keel Bay and Mumayaz in the closing stages but gamely stuck to his task to prevail by a nose.

Mumayaz (11/2) came home well on the rail but just failed to get up. Keel Bay was just a head back in third at 20/1 from 33/1.

Trainer Johnny Murtagh said: “That was tight! He’s a professional little horse - very straightforward.

“Ben said the ground was just on the quick side for him and he might appreciate a little bit more ease in the ground.

“He’s a horse that will improve with racing and he’ll learn how to sprint a bit better.

“I’m delighted for Fitzwilliam. It’s been a quite time for them this year but they always seem to have a bit of luck here at the Curragh.”

Magniffico had been unplaced in his first three outings before improving to take second over course and distance last month.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
7/2
Tote €5.50 €1.90
2nd
nose
11/2
€1.90
3rd
hd
20/1
€5.70
4th
2.5L
16/5Fav
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.