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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Net D'Ecosse marks himself out as Midlands National horse

Fri 11th May 2018, 20:42

Net D'Ecosse makes every yard a winning oneNet D'Ecosse makes every yard a winning one
© Photo Healy Racing

Net D'Ecosse (7/1) made all over an extended two miles three to take Kilbeggan's handicap chase for Noel Meade and Sean Flanagan.

The eight-year-old was in dominant form as he left his rivals strung out in winning by 11 lengths from the well-backed-favourite Thirsty Work (7/2 from 9/2).

In turn, Presenting Mahler was 12 lengths adrift in third at 20/1. Drumconnor Lad who won at Down Royal on Monday, weakened out of contention from third before the last to come home fourth.

Noel Meade said: "He deserved that as he had a lot of good runs last year without winning a race.

“He ran well around here before. I was a little worried about the ground because it was soft but he handled it well.

“He jumped well and got a good positive ride. Hopefully he might be a nicer horse this year.

“We had to hobday him last year after we got him and it took him a while after that. He likes summer ground.”

When asked if the Midlands National could be a target he added: "He absolutely loves it around here and that could definitely be on the mark.”

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.