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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Story springs shock as Sam flops

Thu 10th Mar 2022, 14:51

Along Long Story and Johnny Hurley fly the lastAlong Long Story and Johnny Hurley fly the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Along Long Story sprang a 28/1 shock in the maiden hunters chase at Thurles as 2/11 shot Good Bye Sam finished only third in the three-miler.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding went to post a hotpot in the race and led jumping the third last as Along Long Story made a mistake.

The market leader came under pressure turning for home, however, as Along Long Story regaining the lead as O Mio Babbino also challenged.

Johnny Hurley got a good leap from Along Long Story at the final fence as the Sean Aherne-trained gelding, a maiden in point-to-points, ran on well to post a three-and-a-half length victory. Michael's Pick stayed on to claim the runner-up spot.

"He had plenty of nice work done at home and ran in a couple of point to points but is ground-dependent. He got his ground today, skipped away and jumped a miller,” said Aherne.

"I ran him in this because he is handicapped over hurdles but weren't any suitable races coming up. I thought this fitted in grand.

"I don't know what the plan is but I could mix it away between chases and hurdles with him. Once the ground is reasonable, we'll keep going."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.