18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Secret Wizard conjures up a Killarney win

Tue 18th Jul 2017, 18:47

Secret Wizard burns them off in KillarneySecret Wizard burns them off in Killarney
© Photo Healy Racing

Secret Wizard had an all-the-way success in Killarney but the rated race was marred by Druids Cross slipping up which saw jockey Ana O'Brien receive medical attention at the scene.

Druids Cross appeared to run short of room as St Gallen edged left under two furlongs out.

It was shortly after this that Secret Wizard, who had made all, kicked on and moved clear inside the final furlong under Pat Smullen.

The four-year-old gelding maintained the gallop and passed the post two and a half lengths to the good. Plenty of bets were brought up as he was supported from 11/4 to 15/8 favourite at the track.

St Gallen led in a three-way go for second at 8/1 just ahead of Dinkum Diamond and Tuff Love

Trainer Sheila Lavery said: "When you have that draw here (one) - that is what Pat (Smullen) intended to do here and wanted to dictate the race from the start.

"You're terrified you'll get done but from Pat's body language I didn't think he ever thought he wasn't going to win.

"He should get in at the bottom of the Topaz (Handicap at Galway) now and the handicapper can't really kill him after that; Pat has always said he was better going right-handed.

"But this all pales into insignificance and, while it's great to win a race, I'd give it back as long as Ana (O'Brien) is okay. All that really matters is Ana to be honest."

Ana O'Brien was placed on a stretcher for further treatment in the medical centre. An air ambulance was then sent to the track. It arrived at 7.45pm and racing was delayed until it departed just before 8pm.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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.