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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Sweeney gets Bothar up on the line

Mon 22nd Apr 2019, 15:06

Bothar Dubh (nearest) gets up to beat Pilgrim WayBothar Dubh (nearest) gets up to beat Pilgrim Way
© Photo Healy Racing

The well-backed Bothar Dubh got up on the line to deny 33/1 outsider Pilgrim Way in the Race & Taste Festival May 10th & 11th Handicap Hurdle.

Successful at Clonmel in February, the Declan Queally trained six-year-old then fell on his most recent effort over fences.

Back over the smaller obstacles today, he opened on-course an 11/2 chance, touching 6s, before going off the market leader at 4/1.

Going to the last Pilgrim Way and Grey Atlantic Way appeared to have it between them, however Bothar Dubh and Mikey Sweeney had other ideas, as they kept on well up the run-in, getting up on the line to prevail by a short head.

There was three parts of a length between Pilgrim Way and Grey Atlantic Way in second and third, while Just Klass was a further ten lengths back in fourth.

Queally, who trains the winner for Bridget Eileen O'Mahony, said afterwards: "He was a cheap horse the owners bought for fun and it is a bonus to win two races with him. He is only a handy little horse and he ideally wants a little further than two miles.

"His owners are local, are into point-to-points and wanted a runner here on Easter Monday. It was great it worked out and we're delighted as it's a big day for all the point-to-point followers.

"We'll fool away with him for the summer now."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Buttons And Bows trained by Patrick J.Flynn, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
4/1Fav
Tote €4.60 €1.60
2nd
shd
33/1
€8.60
3rd
0.75L
10/1
€2.70
4th
10L
33/1
€5.60
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.