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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Mr Caplan and Donoghue win a thriller at Wexford

Fri 2nd Jul 2021, 17:41

Mr Caplan, far side, jumps the last in front of Quirt EvansMr Caplan, far side, jumps the last in front of Quirt Evans
© Photo Healy Racing

Mr Caplan held on by a short head at the end of an extended two and a half miles in the opening maiden hurdle at Wexford.

The six-year-old gelding strode to the front approaching the second last and soon went for home under Keith Donoghue. Quirt Evans the 15/8 favourite, wasn't shaken off, though, and came with a determined challenge on the run-in.

The pair were locked together in the closing stages but Mr Caplan just prevailed at 4/1 for Denise Foster. There was a 12-length gap back to Double Jubilee (9/1).

Donoghue said: "I wasn't sure if we had hung on, I knew it was tight. He ran around a little bit in front but thankfully he held on.

"I don't think there was much contact with the runner-up. My lad will get further in time."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

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.