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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Space Cadet blasts home a treble for Elliott

Mon 17th Oct 2016, 17:03

Space Cadet measures a fence in RoscommonSpace Cadet measures a fence in Roscommon
© Photo Healy Racing

Space Cadet (13/8) made a promising start to his career over fences as he landed the extended two miles beginners' chase at Roscommon under Keith Donoghue.

The six-year-old gelding brought up a treble on the card for Gordon Elliott. Thecraicisninety was a significant market drifter from 11/8 in the morning to 7/1 on the off. This was his first racecourse start after landing a point-to-point in March last year.

He led throughout but couldn't see off Space Cadet who moved into the lead before the second last.

A great jump at the final fence put the gloss on the victory as Space Cadet put six lengths on 11/10 favourite Call It Magic who got up for second from Thecraicisninety.

This was the fourth time in a row that Call It Magic finished runner-up.

Gordon Elliott said: "It probably wasn’t the strongest race in the world but I’d say he wants three miles. He done it well and it’s great.

“I’d say jumping a fence is his game. He was jumping hurdles too carefully and making mistakes.

“He was bought to be a chaser and he’ll win plenty of races. He’ll take a massive step up in trip from there.”

This was Space Cadet's first crack at fences after landing a bumper and reaching a mark of 121 over hurdles.

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.