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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Gran Jeste back in a winning groove

Sun 27th Oct 2019, 16:56

Gran Jeste, red cap, takes over at the last in GalwayGran Jeste, red cap, takes over at the last in Galway
© Photo Healy Racing

Gran Jeste (10/1) bounced back to form with a vengeance in Ballybrit.

The six-year-old gelding had plenty on his plate approaching the penultimate flight in this extended two mile five handicap hurdle but landed full of running on the outside.

He swept round around the field to take a narrow lead at the last and was driven out by Jody McGarvey to fend off a persistent challenge from Pivotal Flame (9/2) by two and a half lengths.

Owner JP McManus had a one-three as Fitzhenry (11/2) came in four and a quarter lengths behind Pivotal Flame.

Trainer Liz Doyle said: “He wasn't firing for me last year for whatever reason but he is in a better place this year and was fit and well.

“He needs soft ground so we had a nightmare year with him last year but I still didn't think he was 100% last year. He's much better this year and got a lovely ride today.

“We'll look for another handicap and he jumps a fence well so we'll go that way too.”

This was Gran Jeste's third career victory having won a bumper in Thurles and a maiden hurdle at Navan, both in 2017.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

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.