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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Lifetime Ambition takes to fences in Down Royal

Fri 29th Oct 2021, 17:31

Lifetime Ambition leads the wayLifetime Ambition leads the way
© Photo Healy Racing

Jessica Harrington's Lifetime Ambition went into plenty of notebooks after making an impressive chasing debut at Down Royal.

The 7/1 chance made virtually all and kept up the gallop on the run-in to prevail by two and three quarter lengths from 6/4 favourite Beacon Edge

Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner Vanillier was a further three and a half lengths back in third at 10/3.

Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: "He got his act together at the end of last year and he is a horse that is only filling his frame.

"From we jumped him over fences in the autumn, he was just different league.

"Sean (O'Keeffe) said he has never ridden a horse to have so much scope as he does. He could be exciting. He have a few jumpers and a few quality ones but he is exciting.

"When we got him he was a little bit sick when he was running in his bumpers and he just took about six months to get right. He's right now.

"He was in Pat Doyle's for the summer grass - the owners are friends of Pat Doyle. He has come back a different horse this year and we are very happy with him.

"The entries for the Drinmore are on Wednesday so he will probably get an entry. I wouldn't be afraid of stepping him up in class. He's very good.

"We'll stick to 2m 4f at the moment but the way he gallops there would be no harm in three miles either. I'd say this year we might stick to 2m 4f."

Lifetime Ambition was given a first show of 16/1 for the Marsh Novices' Chase by Paddy Power who introduced him at 25/1 for the Arkle.

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.