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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Pit Stop gets the checkered flag

Fri 11th Oct 2013, 18:55

Pit Stop (Conor Hoban) lands the 2yo maiden with Green Tag (third) also picturedPit Stop (Conor Hoban) lands the 2yo maiden with Green Tag (third) also pictured
© Photo Healy Racing

Michael Halford is already looking forward to 2014 with Pit Stop after the imposing son of Iffraaj made a successful debut at odds of 9/1 in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.

The Sheikh Mohammed-owned colt struck the front a furlong out for Conor Hoban - stable jockey Shane Foley is sidelined this evening due to a one day whip ban - keeping on well to hold Magnolia Beach by a diminishing three quarters of a length.

The runner-up is certainly one to take out of the race as Emmet McNamara went for a run up the rail early in the straight before deciding to switch right out to the outside.

The Ger Lyons-trained newcomer, available at 14/1 in the morning and supported on track from 5/1 into 4/1, finished strongly inside the final 150 yards and looks sure to make amends soon.

The experienced Green Tag (10/1) was a further three quarters of a length back in third, with favourite Wateed in fourth.

Halford said, “It was a lovely first run, and he’s a smashing big horse that we gave a bit of time. Conor gave him a lovely ride and kept things simple.

“That will probably be it for the year, and he’s a horse I’d imagine will come on nicely over the winter. He has plenty of size and scope, and there should be more to come.”

Emmet McNamara picked up a three-day suspension for careless riding following an incident about two furlongs out where Intensified was badly checked.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
9/1
Tote €14.60 €3.80
2nd
0.75L
4/1
€1.80
3rd
0.75L
10/1
€3.40
4th
1.5L
5/2Fav
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.