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Turbo defies long absence to win for Finn and O'Keeffe

Turbo and Darragh O'Keeffe. Turbo and Darragh O'Keeffe.
© Photo Healy Racing

The Jimmy Finn trained Turbo made light of a 704-day layoff when staying on strongly to win the www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase.

Last seen when tailed off at the same venue in December 2022, the 11-year-old was registering a first win over fences in over four years.

Racing prominently off the pace set by Ricky Langford the 16/1 chance came through to hold every chance early in the straight.

With joint market leader Someone's Wish looking a big threat approaching the last fence, a big jump from Turbo saw him land in front before kicking clear to win readily by three-and-a-half lengths.

Jimmy Finn reported: "I was hoping and thought he'd run well but thought the distance - especially around here, might be short for him. He got his ground today as he never really got ground like that.

"He had a little fracture in a hind leg which held him up for a while but is lightly raced so we brought him back. We'll see how he comes out of this but there's a race for him in Fairyhouse soon.

"We have a few horses coming along for the track at home."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.