Magician lunges late to enhance Hassett's Curragh record

Trainer Mark Hassett continued his love affair with the Curragh racecourse when Secret Magician stayed on best under his nephew Wayne to win the Quinnbet Handicap at the Kildare track.

The County Tipperary based trainer was sending out a fourth winner at headquarters in recent times, with Premier Handicap winner Harrys Hill being his main flag bearer at the venue of late.

Sent off 9-2f following strong late support, Secret Magician looked booked for a place at best at the furlong marker but found plenty for pressure late on to get up right on the line to head the front running Livingston Range Furnace Creek stayed on well under Jack Kearney for third, with Mercurial back in fourth.

“We love this place and we love coming here and taking on the big boys,” said Hassett.

“It's a family effort and it's absolutely great. He gave him some ride and he took a bit of riding there, he probably wants seven.

“I thought he was caught for a bit of toe at one stage, and he got stuck into him. He's as tough as nails.

“In Galway he was drawn 17, got cut in half and met more trouble than you would outside Supermacs in Thurles on a Saturday night!

"Seamie (Heffernan) came in then and said it was a non-event. He said to run him again.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson