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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Captains in control for O'Keeffe & Rothwell

Thu 16th Feb 2023, 14:09

Captains Nephew and Darragh O'Keeffe Captains Nephew and Darragh O'Keeffe
© Photo Healy Racing

Captains Nephew streaked clear in the closing stages of the Derrygrath Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel to run out an impressive winner for trainer Philip Rothwell.

The 108-rated Mahler gelding was making his sixth start over hurdles and the 17/2 shot dismissed his field in some style.

Darragh O'Keeffe produced his mount to challenge on the bridle turning for home and he went on from long-time leader Kudasheva going to the second last.

The winner was driven clear before the final flight and stayed on strongly to record a 18 length success over Clodders Dream

O'Keeffe revealed afterwards:- "Philips's father-in-law passed away so he wasn't able to make it but it was nice he won.

“He thought he'd run a good race, said to ride him handy and I got a good lead into the race. He jumped and quickened away well.

"He ran into the back of horses the last day in a handicap at Leopardstown so I'd say he is better than the result. He came from point to points and for a big horse, would appreciate better ground.

"It was nice to get a winner for (owner) Tom Doran as I was beaten a short-head on one of his last Sunday."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.