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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Ballysteen jumps to it in opener

Thu 20th Mar 2014, 15:27

Ballysteen (Kevin Sexton) clears the lastBallysteen (Kevin Sexton) clears the last
© Photo Healy Racing

The opening Templemore Beginners Chase at Thurles proved a typically incident-packed event with Ballysteen coming out on top in the 2m2f contest.

Kevin Sexton’s mount was left in front when the front-running 3/1 favourite Third Opinion unseated Ger Fox while holding a clear lead six out.

The Gigginstown eight-year-old kept on well in the straight, and the 13/2 chance asserted on the run-in to beat Bar Stool Bob by ten lengths with Tabac Brun staying on just a short-head further adrift in third. Local Celebrity was about four lengths down and making no impression in third place when falling at the final fence.

“He jumped well and deserved it, and we’ll try and find a little handicap for him somewhere,” said winning trainer Mouse Morris.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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.