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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Collins' mare on an upward curve

Mon 15th Jul 2024, 16:05

Steps In The Sand (nearest)
Steps In The Sand (nearest)
© Photo Healy Racing

Steps In The Sand (6/1) followed up a recent win at Sligo when taking the Quinn Estate Agents Handicap Hurdle under Eoin Walsh.

Trained for the Zoom Buddies Syndicate by Cian Collins, the five-year-old came off the bridle after the third-last and appeared held when ridden behind the leaders approaching the last but stormed up the hill to lead inside the final 100 yards. A length and three quarters was the margin of victory over The Vegas Raider

Collins said: "I thought if she handled the track the hill finish would play to her strengths. She's a strong finisher.

"Very versatile, Flat or jumps. She tries which is a big thing with a horse. When you have a horse that tries, you have a big chance with one.

"Good ground and the stiff finish definitely helped as well. I think over further she will be better again.

"She'll get a rest now after that.

"I have five or six in Killarney this week - a few nice ones hopefully. When they are running well, we will keep them going and hopefully get another winner or two out of it."

Quotes from Michael Graham

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.