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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Molly Hall a third career winner for Alan McIntyre

Thu 29th Aug 2024, 18:01

Molly Hall and Niall McCullagh Molly Hall and Niall McCullagh
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer Alan McIntyre sent out the third winner of his fledgling career when Molly Hall made virtually all the running under Niall McCullagh to land the concluding Racing Next At Navan On Saturday September 7th Handicap.

Successful at Killarney in July, the six-year-old disappointed when dropped in trip on her next start but shaped much better when third at Tipperary earlier this month.

In front from the start under McCullagh, the 14/1 chance looked there for the taking early in the straight as Elzaamsan loomed up alongside.

However, as stamina kicked in over two furlongs out, the latter had no more to offer, as Molly Hall kicked again from the front. Enquire Within emerged from the chasing pack to get within three-quarters-of-a-length at the line but could never bridge the gap.

Alan McIntyre said: “Niall said everything went to plan, she broke well and he was able to get a breather into her down the back.

“She’s tough and she stays. She has a great attitude and I’d love to have her attitude with all the other horses we have. She’s mad up for a fight and grinds it out.

“She won over 1m3f for us and then we came back to a mile and one which was probably ill advised as it was a bit sharp for her.

“When I saw this 1m6f I was just hoping for good ground as I thought she would take beating.

“I have 11 in training at the moment mainly for the Flat and we have a couple of bumper horses.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

1st
14/1
Tote €20.40 €4.00
2nd
0.75L
20/1
€7.30
3rd
0.5L
16/1
€4.50
4th
hd
11/2
€2.00
bf
1.25L
16/5Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.