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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Ireland's second-lowest rated chaser wins Downpatrick finale

Fri 6th Oct 2023, 18:28

Greenway Machine and Cian CullinanGreenway Machine and Cian Cullinan
© Photo Healy Racing

Ireland's second-lowest rated chaser Greenway Machine gained a first win aged 11 at Downpatrick today in the concluding Toals Bookmakers Handicap Chase, for trainer Helen Markham and owner Peter Killeen.

A 2019 point-to-point winner but subsequently unsuccessful in 19 racecourse runs, Greenway Machine's official chase rating of 65 is 1lb higher than bottom-rated 14-year-old fencer Justakeg. Today, racing from 2lb out-of-the-handicap and priced at 17/2, the veteran scored in determined fashion when grimly holding off runner-up Reddys Island

Grangecon, Co Wicklow-based Markham reported " Greenway Machine actually loves this track, so we came up for a 0-95. He's a lovely horse and a great horse to jump. Cian (Cullinan, jockey) gave him a super ride and I'm delighted!

"The owner (Peter Killen) got stuck in traffic - he's probably just in the car park somewhere!"

Quotes from Michael Graham

About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.