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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Maxwell quick on the Uptake

Tue 5th Apr 2016, 16:59

Uptake has the riderless Top Man Tim for companyUptake has the riderless Top Man Tim for company
© Photo Healy Racing

Uptake led a massive field of 24 runners round Fairyhouse and didn't relent as he impressed in the 80-95 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles.

The eight-year-old gelding scored for the first time on his seventh racecourse outing. He was returned at 10/1. Tyrone Tiger the 9/2 favourite, appeared to be reeling the leader in as he improved into third at the fourth last and then second at the third last.

However, he was given the squeeze by Roger Loughran on the long run to the penultimate hurdle but could make no impression on Uptake.

The front-runner sailed over the final two hurdles and passed the post some seven and a half lengths to the good.

Tyrone Tiger in turn was six and a half lengths ahead of 50/1 shot Returntovendor with Star Of Angels rounding out the places at 20/1.

“He's a horse that's had leg troubles and we were waiting on a bit of nice ground with him,” handler Dermot McLoughlin said.

“He'll be a grand horse over fences in time if he stays right. It's all about keeping him right. He's a fine big horse and he can gallop.

“Conor said the loose horse was pushing him on all the time.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.