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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Sli Na Ghealai justifies support in decisive fashion

Sat 21st Oct 2023, 15:52

Sli Na Ghealai (Rory Cleary) beating Basilah BearSli Na Ghealai (Rory Cleary) beating Basilah Bear
© Photo Healy Racing

Jim Bolger and Rory Cleary teamed up to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Nursery at Leopardstown with the well-backed Sli Na Ghealai

The daughter of Vocalised was available at 8/1 this morning but was sent off the 5/2 joint favourite and was ridden to lead over a furlong out.

Cleary’s mount kept on strongly inside the final 150 yards to beat Basilah Bear by four and a quarter lengths with Sun Never Sets a further length and a quarter away in third.

Bolger said, “She’s hardy and handles the ground.

“I had a couple in it and was going to run one of the others and Rory said to run her. I’d forgotten that she’d run well on soft ground at Tipperary.

“I don’t think she’ll run again at the Curragh on Wednesday but that could change!”

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.