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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Na Caith Tobac takes to fences in Downpatrick

Fri 20th May 2022, 20:22

Na Caith Tobac leading over the lastNa Caith Tobac leading over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Na Caith Tobac (7/1) made a winning debut over fences in the beginners' chase over an extended two miles three furlongs at Downpatrick.

Paul Flynn 's five-year-old gelding had two Flat successes and a hurdle victory in his locker.

He raced prominently and disputed before racing second at the halfway stage. He worked his way to the front before the penultimate fence and kept on to fend off runner-up Majavango (16/1) by a length.

Jockey Keith Donoghue said: "He was brilliant, really good. He had a good look and a little bit high at a few if anything but you don't mind that.

"When I needed him over the last, he responded. I hadn't (schooled him at home), Barry Browne had schooled him and he finished second to me. I just came in for the spare when Barry couldn't ride him.

"I was joking with Paul that I probably ride a winner a season for him and I don't ride anything else for him, one or two rides a year. I've a good strike rate! I'd say since I've started I've ridden a winner for him every season.

"He was confident into a 102, he said he jumped well and schooled well. I was hoping nothing was going to flash and come at me late but he was just always doing enough."

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.