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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Senior proves the Chief in staying Novice Hurdle

Mon 20th Mar 2023, 15:44

Senior Chief (left) and Landrake jumping the lastSenior Chief (left) and Landrake jumping the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Senior Chief followed up a Punchestown maiden win last month when again showing good reserves of stamina in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle at Navan. Landrake poached a five-length lead from the start and set a good pace in this 2m6f event but was challenged approaching the last by the well-backed Senior Chief — 7/2 in the morning and sent off the 6/4 favourite.

The son of Gentlewave was ridden to the front early on the run-in by Rachael Blackmore and kept on well to score by half a length.

The pair drew 11 lengths clear of Paul Marvel in third.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “Delighted with that, he's a lovely horse. I like the way he ground it out there. He's still a baby, but he is improving all the time.

“He only needs to land there, you wouldn't want to be getting there too soon. He stays well but yet he has a gear as well. He was only just beaten in a two-mile maiden hurdle in Clonmel.

"He's qualified for the Red Mills Auction Final at Punchestown, so he's entitled to go there. We wanted to get him a bit more experience."

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.