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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Hartur D'arc makes a winning start to life with Cromwell

Thu 15th Feb 2024, 17:12

Hartur D'arc in control over the final fenceHartur D'arc in control over the final fence
© Photo Healy Racing

Hartur D'arc enjoyed himself in Clonmel as he put seven and a-half lengths on runner-up Joshua Webb in the concluding Monksgrange Beginners Chase.

The 11/10 favourite travelled best, with a narrow lead, of the four main protagonists into the straight. A lovely jump two out saw him extend the advantage and he was clear at the last.

He was on the bridle on the run-in as he brushed the opposition aside to the cheers of favourite backers.

Jockey Keith Donoghue said: "That was his first run for Gavin (Cromwell) and obviously he had plenty of experience. I popped out, kept it simple and hacked away on the (heavy) ground. He quickened up well to two out and did it well.

"We didn't know much about him only from his form and this was a winnable race, but hopefully he can build on this."

Hartur D'arc won a bumper and a maiden hurdle for his former trainer Tom Gibney.

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.