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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Townend doubles up as Joyce opens account

Mon 19th Mar 2012, 16:43

Saddlenomore and Paul Townend about to take off at the lastSaddlenomore and Paul Townend about to take off at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Loughrea trainer Shane Joyce saddled his first winner under rules when Saddlenomore defied top-weight with some style in the www.thetote.com Handicap Hurdle to complete a double on the day for champion jockey Paul Townend.

The Saddlers’ Hall mare travelled smoothly to lead entering the straight, and the 9/1 chance kept on really well to beat Swift Lady (12/1) by seven and a half lengths.

The heavily-backed 100/30 favourite Rather Curious was another length and a quarter away in third, with Lion Valley (14/1) completing the placings in fourth.

Joyce, who only took out a licence nine months ago and already has five point-to-point winners to his name, said, “I thought this morning she would win but I had a runner earlier that ran quite poorly – Saddleoncemore finished seventh in the mares maiden hurdle – and that was a bit of a worry.

“I’m delighted with her today carrying top-weight on that ground. Her work has been brilliant and that’s her trip, with a bit with it. Paul gave her a mighty ride and she’s a chaser in the making.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.