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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Owner/trainer Smyth has a few bob on his winner

Fri 17th Sep 2021, 15:34

Willyouwalkwithme and Shane Fitzgerald (left) jump the last 
Willyouwalkwithme and Shane Fitzgerald (left) jump the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Willyouwalkwithme made all under Shane Fitzgerald to win the Northern Ireland On Course Bookmakers Association.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.

A course and distance winner on good ground in June, the Morozov gelding was pressed by a couple of pursuers between the final two flights but went away on the run-in to account for Fassbender by four and a half lengths.

There was market support in the morning for the 6-year-old, who shortened from 20s into 4/1 at one stage, but he drifted back out to a starting price of 10/1.

Winning owner/trainer Harry Smyth, who had gone close with Zagnzig at Sligo on Wednesday, said: "That was a good, game effort. Early on (in his career) he was 55 lengths behind Envoi Allen so he's no fool. He has ability.

"Today I thought would have been a bit soft for him.

"Shane (Fitzgerald) gave him a good ride and is very good value for his 7lb.

"There was (plenty of money for him this morning), I probably started it but it wasn't all mine.

"I'm 85 in another three weeks but there will be no partying as I don't drink."

The ground was changed to yielding to soft, soft in places after the running of this race.

Quotes from Michael Graham

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.