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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Mountain Fox records 25/1 surprise for veteran Oakes

Thu 29th Nov 2018, 15:14

Mountain Fox (near side) strikes the front at the lastMountain Fox (near side) strikes the front at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Gigginstown appeared to hold all the aces with a couple of strong contenders in the Holycross Maiden Hurdle at THurles but were upset by 25/1 shot Mountain Fox

The Fast Company gelding, owned and trained by 77-year-old Frank Oakes who still regularly rides out, was a 15 race maiden on the Flat but made a successful transition here to jumping.

The five-year-old made smooth headway from off the pace but still had plenty to do as 5/4 favourite Generalisation appeared to hold a decisive lead between the final two flights.

However he soon started to tread water in front and was headed after a mistake at the last.

Mountain Fox, as big as 66/1 earlier in the day, finished strongly on the run-in under Ricky Doyle to beat Extrapolate by three and a quarter lengths.

Generalisation could find no extra another two and a half lengths away in third.

Oakes said, "He ran a fortnight ago at Dundalk and I thought he'd come home alone but he ran stinking! The run mesmerised me but I had another horse at home who wasn't well and I presumed he wasn't just right so I schooled him and Ricky said he was a natural hurdler.

"I picked out this race and said you'll be fourth or fifth with a bit of luck.

"I ride him out all the time at home and he is a villain to ride. I'm 77 and ride two every day and he's not an easy ride at all."

(TW & AM)

1st
25/1
Tote €36.10 €7.50
2nd
3.25L
9/2
€1.70
3rd
2.5L
5/4Fav
€1.02
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.