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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Conti scores readily on Irish debut

Tue 22nd Dec 2015, 13:28

Bello Conti (Bryan Cooper) jumps the last to win the maiden hurdleBello Conti (Bryan Cooper) jumps the last to win the maiden hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

The Willie Mullins-trained Bello Conti made a successful Irish debut when justifying odds-on favouritism in the opening Clonmel Maiden Hurdle.

The Coastal Path gelding was snapped up by Gigginstown having been placed on his only hurdle outing in France earlier this year, and was sent off the 8/13 favourite here in a maximum line-up of 18.

Bryan Cooper ’s mount led approaching the straight, and drew right away on the run-in to beat Madfuninthewest by seven and a half lengths. Joshua Lane made eye-catching headway to join the leaders on the downhill run to the straight but could find no extra from two out to finish another seven and a half lengths away in third.

Mullins said, “He’s a nice horse and can go up in trip. He’s a staying hurdler and we’ll find something for him in the New Year. He’s a decent recruit.”

(TW & AM)

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.