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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Harry Des Ongrais ploughs through heavy ground

Mon 31st Oct 2022, 15:14

Harry Des Ongrais clips the lastHarry Des Ongrais clips the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Strong-travelling Harry Des Ongrais justified even-money favouritism with a professional display in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle.

The former point-to-point winner showed his first track form when fourth in Gowran Park at the start of the month.

He travelled well behind the leader Drumderry Harlem and ranged upsides her approaching two out.

Davy Russell sent him on between the final two flights and a slight mistake at the last didn't hamper him as he kept on well to win by a comfortable four lengths.

Drumderry Harlem gave it a good go but had to settle for second at 11/1. She was 11 lengths clear of Positive Thinker (4/1).

Henry de Bromhead said: "I'm delighted with that and Davy was brilliant on him. It's our first National Hunt winner for Kenny (Haughey), Barbapapa was our first winner for him. Kenny is a good friend of Davy's and that's why he was aboard.

"He is a lovely horse and is a real nice chaser in the making. We will tip away over hurdles with him now and see how we get on."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

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.