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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Elliott mare a third Down Royal winner at 'pony'

Sun 17th Mar 2024, 17:30

Disco Dancer (pink) outstays Shannon Bank
Disco Dancer (pink) outstays Shannon Bank
© Photo Healy Racing

The Bluegrass Horse Feeds mares’ bumper produced yet another 25/1 winner in the shape of the Gordon Elliott-trained Disco Dancer

Ridden along in fourth coming down the hill towards the elbow, she outstayed rivals to win by two and three quarter lengths from Shannon Bank

Owned by Mrs Caren Walsh and Dee L’Estrange, the daughter of Snow Sky had been tailed off on debut. She was a second winner for Josh Halford who remarked: "I knew she had her chance, I didn't think the betting was fair on her. I suppose it was with Harry (Swan) picking the other horse.

"I couldn't be happier, I think a lot of her.

"I knew they must have thought something of her sending her for a Listed bumper first time out. I rode that day and it was very deep ground.

"I walked the track today and it was nicer ground than in Navan, so I knew she had her chance.

"Gordon said to sit in the first four or five, so I did my best to do so and it worked out.

"Gordon has been brilliant, I've worked for him full-time for seven months and this is my second ride for him."

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.