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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

"Grown up" Upazo does the business

Sat 30th Nov 2013, 12:54

Upazo and Paul Townend are clear at the lastUpazo and Paul Townend are clear at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Upazo proved expensive to follow last term when turned over four times in maiden hurdles but the French-bred set the record straight in no uncertain terms on his reappearance at Fairyhouse.

A maximum field of 25 went to post for the Tote-sponsored 2m2f maiden hurdle, and Paul Townend sent the 11/4 chance to the front two out.

The half-brother to So Young asserted approaching the final flight, and was in total command on the run-in to score by an effortless six and a half lengths. Mister Nibbles came home well to just deny Elsie close home for the runner-up berth.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “He seems to have grown up a bit since last year when he disappointed me. His work had shown that he’s improved. I think he has grown and maybe he was growing a bit last year. He’s physically bigger.

“We did a good bit of work with him just ten days ago and we thought he was a different horse than last year. He’s come and shown that on the racecourse. He’s big enough and will jump a fence some day but we’ll pursue a novice hurdle campaign for the time being.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.