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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Garden digs deep to open account

Fri 9th Jun 2023, 19:25

St Vincents Garden (left) gets the better of EsquilineSt Vincents Garden (left) gets the better of Esquiline
© Photo Healy Racing

The Joseph O'Brien-trained St Vincents Garden dug deep to land the spoils in the three-year-old maiden at Fairyhouse.

Declan McDonogh was soon in front on the 6/4 joint-favourite in the mile-and-a-half contest but he was strongly pressed in the closing stages.

Fellow market leader Esquiline came to challenge two furlongs out and pushed her rival all the way to line, going down by a head.

St Vincents Garden had been third on debut before contesting a listed race at Navan last time where despite finishing last of six he was beaten less than two-and-a-half lengths.

“He had a very good run the last day in a stakes race and Declan gave him a nice uncomplicated ride,” said O'Brien.

“He was tough when he needed to be. The second filly had a good run the last day as well, and it seemed like she was very well fancied, so I'd say it was a hot race. It's nice to get his head in front.

“He had a nice debut and a nice run the last day. He progressed again today and he'll be a lovely middle distance/stayer in time.”

1st
6/4JFav
Tote €2.50 €1.10
2nd
hd
6/4JFav
€1.40
3rd
2.75L
11/1
€2.50
4th
1.75L
20/1
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.