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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Bay Hill keeps up the good work for Roche

Thu 8th Nov 2018, 15:49

Bay Hill (left) and Benny In Milan battle out a tight finishBay Hill (left) and Benny In Milan battle out a tight finish
© Photo Healy Racing

Bay Hill continued a remarkably consistent run of form in recent months when just coming out on top in the Two-Mile Borris Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

The Padraig Roche-trained gelding hasn’t been out of the first two in his last five outings under both codes, and was adding to a victory in a similar event at the Listowel Festival.

The well-backed 6/4 favourite led approaching the final flight but looked booked for the runner-up spot when headed by Benny In Milan on the run-in.

However Liam Gilligan’s mount rallied gamely on the inner and just got his head down where it mattered.

A stewards enquiry was called into a couple of incidents both before and after the last but the places remained unaltered. Denis Hogan, rider of Benny In MIlan, was given a one day ban for careless riding.

Roche said, "He is a great old horse and that's his eighth win. He is a great horse to have and Liam's 7lbs claim made all the difference. He's riding well.

"That's his level and while he is a summer horse, we'll keep going while the ground is still good."

(TW & AM)

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.