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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Rough Diamond sparkles on debut at 28/1

Sat 22nd Aug 2020, 18:18

Rough Diamond and Mark Enright (right) win from Na Blianta Beo Rough Diamond and Mark Enright (right) win from Na Blianta Beo
© Photo Healy Racing

The Mick O’Shea Heating And Plumbing Maiden was won by 28/1 chance Rough Diamond who made a winning debut in the hands of Mark Enright.

The 16/5 favourite Na Blianta Beo travelled like a winner on the near side rail, but the winner picked up well from mid-division and came through in the final furlong to win by three quarters of a length from the market leader, with the consistent Castletownshend in third place.

Rough Diamond is a half-brother to two decent sprint handicappers Magic Bear and Tide Of Time.

The Starspangledbanner gelding was bred by winning trainer Eddie Lynam who said: "He's out of a good race-mare who wanted soft ground and she has bred me a couple of decent sprinters who wanted soft ground.

“For one of ours to win first time is a shock. He's never been away from home and has never been on grass.

“He could be interesting. He was very green but he quickened up well. Those maidens don't take a lot of winning but that's not to take away from him as he could be okay.

“Mark comes in and rides out for my daughter on a Saturday and rides the odds one for me. We haven't been flying so it's nice to get a winner.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
28/1
Tote €46.90 €9.70
2nd
0.75L
16/5Fav
€1.90
3rd
1.75L
11/2
€2.40
4th
0.5L
50/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.