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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Cian Quirke makes fast start to the professional ranks

Fri 9th Jul 2021, 18:19

Voice Of Hope and Cian Quirke lead over the lastVoice Of Hope and Cian Quirke lead over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Cian Quirke got his professional career off to a dream start when partnering Voice Of Hope to land the Follow Kilbeggan On Instagram Maiden Hurdle and in the process complete a quick double for trainer Andy Slattery.

Quirke (20) only turned pro earlier this week and was seen to great effect here aboard the 100/30 chance, who was prominent throughout and kept on well from the last to beat newcomer True Faith by a length and three quarters. Garde Des Champs could find no extra in the closing stages finishing a head back in third.

Quirke, from Thurles, said “That means everything to me. I’m with Andy four days a week and John Ryan two days and I get into another couple of yards in the evening as well.

“I had about thirty rides in point-to-points and rode a few to be placed.”

Slattery’s brother and assistant Willie said, “Cian is a good young fella and a brilliant worker. It’s great to get him off the mark.

“We loved this horse as a two-year-old and then he lost his way. He’d a couple of good runs before today and the experience helped him.” Whosgotyanow initiated the Slattery double when taking the opening mares maiden hurdle under Cathal Landers at odds of 11/2.

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.