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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Buckley delighted to ride out claim aboard The Other Mozzie

Tue 26th Dec 2023, 16:08

The Other Mozzie, right, makes his winning moveThe Other Mozzie, right, makes his winning move
© Photo Healy Racing

Kieren Buckley rode out his claim on The Other Mozzie who made a winning debut over flights in the featured auction maiden hurdle at Down Royal.

The four-year-old gelding was backed in from 13/2 to 4/1 and tracked the leaders before delivering his challenge at the last.

He soon led on the run-in and kept on best to fend off Bleu D'enfer (11/4) by half a length. There was a four-length gap back to Purse Price (4/1).

Buckley said: "It kind of went perfectly, I thought they would go a right gallop. He can be a little bit keen sometimes, so I was hoping they would go a gallop so he would settle.

"He was a bit gassy over the first and he jumped a little bit green, that will slicken up. He jumps very well, he was just having a little bit of a look. Every time I gave him a squeeze, he kind of jumped upwards rather than forwards.

"He has done it very well and quickened up nicely over the last two. He has won with a little bit up his sleeve.

"My claim is gone - when I got my conditional licence out, I wanted to ride a winner at Cheltenham and ride out my claim. Thanks to Gavin Cromwell. Garry Cribbin (agent) has been a massive part of that as well.

"Since I moved over to Ireland from England, I have never really looked back. Thanks to the trainers who have supported me over the last few years and my girlfriend and family for supporting me. It is really a big deal to me."

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.