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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Cillian makes winning hurdle debut for JP

Thu 15th May 2014, 17:47

Cillian's Return (Mark Walsh) jumps the lastCillian's Return (Mark Walsh) jumps the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Cillian’s Return got his hurdling career off to a winning start for new owner JP McManus when taking the Micheal Maher Building And Construction Services Maiden Hurdle at Tipperary.

The Diamond Green gelding boasted some top class bumper form for Bill Farrell including victory over subsequent Cheltenham-fifth Vigil at Fairyhouse but has now moved into the care of Tony Martin.

The 6/4 joint favourite’s jumping was far from fluent here but Mark Walsh’s mount overcame some sloppy leaps to eventually beat Poetic Lord by a comfortable three and a half lengths.

The other 6/4 joint favourite Patsio held every chance in the straight but could find no extra to finish a further length and a half back in third.

McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said, “He has a bit to learn and rushed his hurdles a bit in schooling. Apart from a couple there he was okay.

“He’ll be kept going for a while but likes an ease, and will go for a winners of one if the ground is suitable. It was nice to get that out of the way.”

(TW & AM)

1st
6/4JFav
Tote €2.70 €1.10
2nd
3.5L
16/1
€4.00
3rd
1.5L
6/4JFav
€1.50
4th
6L
20/1
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.