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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Harrington doubles up with Close Shave

Sun 2nd Apr 2017, 17:05

Close Shave, right, conquers his rivals in FairyhouseClose Shave, right, conquers his rivals in Fairyhouse
© Photo Healy Racing

Close Shave gave Barry Geraghty a winner on his return from injury when staying on stoutly in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The six-year-old gelding was fourth behind Bilbo Bagins at Navan last month but overturned that form today at 9/2 (backed in from 13/2).

He made progress into fourth after the third last and jumped the penultimate hurdle in third, just behind Slicker City and First To Boogie

He was soon ridden by Geraghty to mount his challenge at the last. The duo wore down Slicker City on the run-in to win by three parts of a length from fellow JP McManus horse Travertine (20/1) who finished very strongly for the runner-up berth.

Slicker City (8/1) and First To Boogie (25/1) completed the placings in this 16-runner contest.

Jessica Harrington said: "He was too keen at Navan last time and is still a bit keen. He's a real old fashioned three-mile chaser and will not stay over hurdles for too long.

"Barry said the penny is only starting to drop now and he won't run on anything but soft ground."

Harrington sealed a double on the card with this victory. She also landed the beginners' chase with Woodland Opera

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.