Hassetts gain compensation with Charm

Martin Hassett gained some compensation for the narrow defeat of Harry's Hill earlier when Magic Charm ran out a convincing winner of the apprentice handicap at the Curragh.

The trainer's grand-nephew Wayne drove the 17/2 shot into the lead a furlong from home and he stayed on strongly in the closing stages to record a two-length win over Tall Story

Magic Charm was recording his first win for the yard, having joined Hassett last autumn.

He sported blinkers for the first time today and the trainer said:

“We gave 20 minutes debating about this before declaration the other day because he's genuine. I'm a bit old fashioned and I think they don't need headgear but the younger boys said it would just help him travel.

“It probably did help but I don't know if he really needs help. He ran a savage race the last day, he was out of the handicap but finished fourth and met a lot of trouble.

“We knew on a stiff track here today with soft ground, he probably even wants it softer, he was the banker. I thought of the three horses we had today he was the banker. Obviously it paid off.

“He'll keep going and will probable even go over hurdles, he has schooled and all.

“He was actually Wayne's first ride here last year for Natalia Lupini and the boys took a shine to him and we bought him.

“He's the only horse in the yard that hadn't won up to today and he can join the rest of them now as a winner.”

Harry's Hill was just pipped close home in the Joe McGrath earlier on the card for the same pairing and the trainer added:-

“We're delighted. We got the rub of the green here in the Rockingham where he did something similar.

“I actually thought he was home and hosed but in the corner of my eye I just saw Ado's horse coming. It's hard when there is momentum there.

“He was bought for €12,000 and he has €130,000 won now so he's a money making machine. I told the boys, who are electricians, that they'd put in a lot of plugs before they'd get paid that kind of money.

“After the Rockingham he ran a few flat races. They say with sprinters you can run them every week but he seems to be a horse that needs a bit of a break and freshen up.”

On his record at the Curragh he added:- “It's unreal. This is the place you want to do it on the Flat.

“It's a stiff track, Harry loves it here. Even Secret Magician ran well today and he loves it here.

“Magic Charm was third here on the opening day in a mile race and he obviously loves it here as well. I don't know what it is but it's the place to have it.”