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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Foster lands Down Royal brace through Aliym

Fri 18th Jun 2021, 17:55

Aliym in winning formAliym in winning form
© Photo Healy Racing

Denise Foster secured a double at Down Royal courtesy of Aliym in the second split of the extended two and a half mile handicap hurdle.

Jordan Gainford 's mount chased the clear leader Roscomroe before collaring him after three out.

The pair were tackled by strong-travelling Wake The Giant at the penultimate obstacle but found plenty on the run-in after that rival made a mistake at the last.

Aliym obliged at 18/5 by four and three quarter lengths from Wake The Giant (7/2f). Wa Wa (11/1) was five lengths further back in third.

Gainford said: "He loved it. They went a nice steady gallop and I was able to dictate and get a breather into him when I wanted to.

"Blinkers probably brought him to life and I was able to use the horses behind me to bring me along as far as I could without getting stuck into him.

"Down to the last he was good and brave and did it well." Mars Harper also took race two on the card for Foster.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.