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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Louisiana schools nursery rivals on handicap bow

Thu 10th Oct 2019, 15:02

Louisiana (centre) and Donnacha O'BrienLouisiana (centre) and Donnacha O'Brien
© Photo Healy Racing

Topweight of 9st 11lbs and an opening handicap mark of 91 were no barriers to success whatsoever to Louisiana (4/5 fav) as he completed quick doubles for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien in the Thurles Nursery over a mile.

Like on his first winner of the afternoon, Peaceful the winning rider adopted a prominent position from the outset.

He asked the full-brother to The Gurkha to go and win his race early in the straight, from where he galloped away for a four and three quarter length win from In From The Cold (6/1). Chrysalism (9/2) was a further neck away in third place.

The winner had shown a good level of form in three placed runs in maidens, and outclassed his six rivals here.

“He is a grand horse, said Donnacha O’Brien after his 93rd winner of the season, and is still quite raw and a bit green.

"I thought he made a big step up from his race at Listowel to the Curragh and I really liked him at the Curragh and he ran to his ability today.

"I'd imagine he'll be a Group horse now and he'll be better next year as well."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
4/5Fav
Tote €1.50 €1.10
2nd
4.75L
6/1
€2.40
3rd
nk
9/2
4th
1.5L
8/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.