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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Blackbow looks another good one for the O'Leary's

Tue 26th Dec 2017, 16:31

Blackbow (right) battles it out with Ballyneety and The Holy OneBlackbow (right) battles it out with Ballyneety and The Holy One
© Photo Healy Racing

Memories of Florida Pearl were evoked at Leopardstown after Blackbow carried the same red and white silks to success in the Lep Inn Flat Race.

Florida Pearl, twice a winner at the Cheltenham Festival and a legend at the Foxrock track having won the Hennessy Gold Cup a record four times, won this same bumper 21 years ago to the day.

Blackbow is owned by a syndicate comprising the O’Leary family and friends, and the 5/4 favourite battled gamely after being headed in the straight by Ballyneety to score by three and three quarter lengths under Patrick Mullins. The Holy One kept on to take the runner-up spot as Ballyneety weakened back to finish third.

The Stowaway gelding, like Florida Pearl, is trained by Willie Mullins who said, "Patrick said he worked very well one day when I was away and he was right.

"He's one to look forward to, and will improve as he's so big and backward. Hopefully he's one for the Cheltenham bumper, and this is usually a good race."

1st
5/4Fav
Tote €2.10 €1.02
2nd
3.75L
5/1
€1.80
3rd
0.75L
7/1
€2.40
4th
4.25L
25/1
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.