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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Curragh strikes Gold on handicap debut

Thu 5th Mar 2015, 16:25

Curragh Na Gold and Sean FlanaganCurragh Na Gold and Sean Flanagan
© Photo Healy Racing

Curragh Na Gold appreciated a step back in distance to score on her handicap debut in the Carrick-On-Suir Mares Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The daughter of Gold Well made the frame on all four previous maiden hurdle outings, and was sent off a well-supported 3/1 favourite dropping down to this two-mile trip.

Sean Flanagan sent her on before the penultimate flight, and she kept on well on the run-in to beat Good As Gold by a length and three quarters. Ellaway Rose was a further five lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Harry Kelly said, "She had been consistent but tricky and in a few ways was tailor made for handicaps.

"Brian Hayes (rider of the runner-up today) rode her recently and said that handicaps would suit her better because she'd settle better than she had been in maidens.

"Sean gave her a super ride and we'll aim for something similar next."

He then searched in his jacket and quipped, "I brought up her passport (needed following a winner) so I wouldn't have to walk back down to the stable yard for it!"

Flanagan said, "The drop back in trip was key to her. She tends to run around a bit, and when I gave her a squeeze at the bottom of the hill I got there a bit early.

"I was worried that she might save a bit for herself down the straight but she was good today."

(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.