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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Mary Cassatt outstays rivals

Mon 15th May 2023, 17:52

Mary Cassatt (nearest)  Mary Cassatt (nearest)
© Photo Healy Racing

Third in a Kilbeggan handicap on her previous start, Mary Cassatt (15/2) appreciated the step up in trip to 2m6f in the Killarney Racegoers Club Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Having raced in mid-division, the John McConnell-trained filly moved into fifth on the outer before three out.

After hitting the front on the approach to the final flight, she forged clear to beat the 6/4 favourite Knockanard Lady by six lengths.

Winning rider Alex Harvey said: “She had a lovely run around Kilbeggan the last day where the trip was probably a bit short for her. She’s a small mare but she needs a trip.

“They went a nice gallop but she never really travelled with me. She jumped away and crept into it. I knew the leaders would come back to me and when I got stuck into her she really picked up.

“She’s a filly that won over 1m5f in France and when she wasn’t travelling with me I knew something was wrong. I just let her go at the pace she wanted. She’s very genuine.

“That’s my sixth winner on the track.”

Quotes from Alan Magee

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.