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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Sidra stays on stoutly in Gowran Park

Tue 30th Jun 2015, 21:24

Sidra on her way to victory in Gowran ParkSidra on her way to victory in Gowran Park
© Photo Healy Racing

Sidra (3/1) was a ready winner of Gowran Park's extended mile and one maiden for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen in the Aga Khan colours.

The three-year-old filly held a prominent position in fourth behind Athassel who dictated matters from the front.

Upon sweeping down past the four pole she sat on the rail in third with Athassel still in front and Burn The Bond second on the outside.

Smullen guided her up to challenge Athassel as the race unfolded in the home straight. She powered into the lead with a quarter of a mile to go and stayed on well to close out the race.

Newcomer Tara Dylan (8/1) kept on to be beaten three lengths into second. Jolyne the 6/4 favourite, never landed a blow on the winner in coming home third.

Pat Smullen said: "She was a bit keen on her first two starts but today she settled beautifully and raced properly. It was an average race and we will see what the handicapper does with her.

"A mile and a quarter or in and around that is probably her right trip. A little bit more ease in the ground wouldn't go astray for her. The track is beautiful today. I'd say she is in the hands of the handicapper now."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

1st
3/1
Tote €3.80 €1.80
2nd
3L
8/1
€3.70
3rd
4L
6/4Fav
€1.02
4th
2.5L
8/1
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.