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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Cougar makes winning start over hurdles

Sat 1st Oct 2022, 14:08

Cougar and Mark WalshCougar and Mark Walsh
© Photo Healy Racing

Cougar made a winning start over hurdles when taking the gowranpark.ie 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle in the hands of Mark Walsh.

The well-bred son of Deep Impact easily won a Curragh maiden for Aidan O’Brien on his previous start at Irish Derby weekend and took well to jumping here.

The 5/2 chance had about four lengths to make up on Charlie Luciano approaching the final flight but the 15/8 favourite was slow at the last while the Padraig Roche-trained colt met it on a good stride.

Walsh’s mount was soon in front on the run-in and kept on well to score by half a length, with Shetland Tony five lengths back in third.

Roche said, “That was great. He's a lovely horse to have in the yard. Mark said he jumped great so you couldn't have asked for a better start. Mark said when he got going he really got the hang of it.

“It was a lovely introduction and he's an exciting horse to have in the yard, we're lucky to have him. I'd say Noel's horse probably stopped a little bit at the last and that helped him a bit but Mark thought he was going to get there anyway.

“We'll have a talk with Frank and JP and see where we go now.”

Quotes by Gary Carson

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.