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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Coen doubles up on Arctic Blaze

Fri 17th Dec 2021, 19:59

Arctic Blaze in charge in the closing stagesArctic Blaze in charge in the closing stages
© Photo Healy Racing

Jake Coen came in for a winning spare on John McConnell's Arctic Blaze in the nightcap at Dundalk to seal his double on the card.

The 7lb claimer took race seven on board Dalvey and doubled up when Arctic Blaze swept through to see off his 13 rivals in the extended mile and a quarter handicap for horses in the 45-65 bracket.

The 5/1 favourite powered home in the final furlong to beat a hanging Picpoul (11/2) by two lengths. Victory March was two and a quarter lengths further adrift in third at 10/1.

McConnell said: “John Flynn has been a long-standing owner of mine and he’s had four or five horses that have been disasters but he’s always been very patient with me and come back for something else. I’m really thrilled to have a first winner for him as he’s been so loyal and patient.

“The filly has really turned a corner and has probably come on again from a good run on her return last time.

“She might be one that will jump a hurdle as well. She’s big enough and she stays.

“Unfortunately Siobhan (Rutledge) wasn’t well and couldn’t ride but Jake was a great substitute.”

Chris Hayes was the leading jockey at Dundalk this year with 32 victories.

Joseph O'Brien was the champion trainer at the track for the fourth successive year.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
5/1Fav
Tote €6.00 €2.00
2nd
2L
11/2
€2.30
3rd
2.25L
10/1
€4.00
4th
0.5L
12/1
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.