Search
Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
- Home
- News
Michael Graham
Basilah Bear forges home for McAteer
Basilah Bear, green and black, sees them off
© Photo Healy Racing
David Marnane had to settle for second in the featured Goffs Sportsman's Challenge at Naas, but he did saddle a winner through Basilah Bear in the GAIN The Advantage Series Nursery Handicap.
The 3/1 favourite made headway entering the straight and picked up the lead under Luke McAteer over a quarter of a mile from home.
She was ridden with more than a furlong to travel and looked to have plenty on her plate as Tiscommonknowledge threw down her challenge inside the final furlong, however, the 'jolly' found plenty in the final 100 yards.
She took the honours by a length and a-quarter from the 20/1 runner-up. Tatum came home nicely for third at 13/2.
"She deserved that, she bumped into a handicap blip in Killarney,” said Marnane.
“I think she's going to be a good filly, she probably has more gears than we're giving her credit for.
“I'd say she'll enjoy a bit better ground. She'll come back for the fillies' handicap at Leopardstown late next month and then we'll put her away after that.
“She was well bought, Amy bought her and she only cost €14,000.
“It's a bit of compensation for the other race. She found plenty and she's very genuine.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson