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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Springfield Lodge grabs her first hurdle victory

Tue 1st Feb 2022, 16:20

Springfield Lodge, middle, stays on best on the run-inSpringfield Lodge, middle, stays on best on the run-in
© Photo Healy Racing

Springfield Lodge availed of a much lower rating over flights in relation to her chasing mark to oblige in division one of the two mile handicap hurdle at Limerick.

She was on a mark of 81, a stone lower than her chase rating, and was up in the van the whole way under Jordan Gainford.

The nine-year-old was one of three horses with clear chances at the final flight - in the middle between Shean Glory on the far side and Lesssaidthebetter on the stands' side.

Shean Glory was a very narrow leader in jumping but Springfield Lodge came home best in the final 100 yards to prevail by a length at 13/2. Shean Glory finished second at 9/1 and was a length and three parts in front of Lesssaidthebetter (15/2).

Trainer Eoghan O'Grady said: "On her her chase form she had a reasonable mark and Jordan was a great help.

"She'll go for something similar next over hurdles and then there's a mares' handicap chase at Navan at the start of next month for her."

This was her first victory over hurdles to go with a pair of handicap chases and a point-to-point.

Gainford rode out his 3lb claim with this success.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

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.