18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Steps Match makes stamina count in staying hurdle

Mon 10th Jul 2023, 20:07

Steps Match and Kieren Buckley right win the Roscommon Herald Handicap Hurdle from Kilmurry Jj Steps Match and Kieren Buckley right win the Roscommon Herald Handicap Hurdle from Kilmurry Jj
© Photo Healy Racing

Steps Match showed an abundance of stamina to see out the trip best of all when landing the Roscommon Herald Handicap Hurdler under Kieren Buckley.

A winner of one of his previous 19 starts, the Michael Butler trained gelding tracked the pace in fourth place before being sent in pursuit to clear leader Kilmurray Jj after four out.

Jockey Kieren Buckley didn't get serious on the eight-year-old until two out, asking for more as they bridged the gap on the leader steadily.

Arriving upsides at the final flight. Steps Match pulled away on the run in to score decisively.

Kieren Buckley said, “I thought we went a good honest gallop the whole way. We stepped it up a gear with a circuit to go and I was happy enough to follow as long as I could.

“I’d a little bit of worry turning in but he was strong from the second last. He’s idled up to the line and done it quite easy in the end. Hopefully we’ll have another good day with him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.