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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Third time lucky for Santiago

Thu 12th Sep 2019, 14:40

Santiago and Donnacha O'Brien (right) win from Sunchart (Ben Coen) in secondSantiago and Donnacha O'Brien (right) win from Sunchart (Ben Coen) in second
© Photo Healy Racing

Andy Slattery’s debutant Sunchart (8/1) made a very pleasing debut to reduce the winning margin to a length and a quarter at the line, but the odds-on favourite Santiago (1/2) always had matters under control as he made all to win the opening Tote Ireland Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien.

Runner-up on his two previous career starts, including behind subsequent Group 2 winner Alpine Star, the son of Authorized was sent for home off the final bend and kept on in good style to comfortably hold the quietly fancied second, with First Thing (20/1) another three and a half lengths back in third place.

"He had the experience, had a good draw and bounced and travelled easy. He did it nicely, said winning rider Donnacha O'Brien.

"Off the bend I asked him to quicken and when you ask them to quicken that early, you are going to gain a few lengths but fade a bit late-on, if a decent horse comes at me. I thought it was a decent performance.

"He is a smart horse and will make into a nice little stayer next year."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
1/2Fav
Tote €1.30 €1.02
2nd
1.25L
8/1
€2.10
3rd
3.5L
20/1
€3.30
4th
1.25L
16/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.