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Punchestown 2024
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- Game Gatamalata finally gets her head in front
Game Gatamalata finally gets her head in front
Gatamalata is driven out by Shane Foley to hold off Khelino on the far side
© Photo Healy Racing
Gatamalata put in a game front running performance to land division one of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Handicap under Shane Foley for trainer Joe Murphy.
The five-year-old daughter of Spartacus showed great promise in her juvenile career, finishing second in a Listed contest but she lost her way since.
Sent off at 10/1 on her nineteenth career start, she made all and despite being strongly pressed inside the final furlong by Khelino she held him off to win by a neck.
Khelino had to settle for second under Billy Lee for Rodger Sweeney at 7/1 while Furacano was two and a quarter lengths back in third under Pat Smullen for Tracy Collins at 10/1. The Reek was the gamble of the race, going from 9/1 into 5/1 favourite on track (was 14/1 this morning) but he could only manage a disappointing eighth under Ronan Whelan for Pat Martin. Black N Brew was sent off at 6/1 but he trailed home in last and was found to be post-race lame when examined by the Turf Club vet.
Joe Murphy said afterwards: "What is that saying? Patience is a virtue!
"She was Listed placed as a two-year-old but she lost her way. It’s great to get a win with her and she’ll go to Killarney next week.
"It’s been a long road, but persistence pays off. We always thought she could win a race.
"Shane gave her a positive ride and she stayed on well. Maybe the eyeshield helped."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham