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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Defi Bleu fights back to win under Fitzgerald

Mon 18th Apr 2022, 17:54

Defi Bleu won under Shane FitzgeraldDefi Bleu won under Shane Fitzgerald
© Photo Healy Racing

Defi Bleu fought back bravely under Shane Fitzgerald to win the beautybasket.ie Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.

The pair led into the straight but looked at the mercy of the strong travelling Donkey Years who moved particularly well just off the pace.

Mark Walsh produced the JP McManus owned horse at the final fence and led over it but Fitzgerald had other ideas and his mount gave everything to go away and win with something to spare.

It was a second winner on the afternoon for Gordon Elliott, who had earlier won the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle.

“That was great. He gave him a good ride, he jumped and galloped so it was grand,” said Elliott.

“I thought he wanted softer ground but he seemed to like that ground.”

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.