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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Townend is on Top at Sligo

Thu 9th Aug 2012, 18:33

Top Madam (Paul Townend) beating Dara Tango at sunny SligoTop Madam (Paul Townend) beating Dara Tango at sunny Sligo
© Photo Healy Racing

The Listowel Festival is the target for many at present, and Top Madam is another to add to that list after benefitting from a positive ride by Paul Townend to take the Martin Reilly BMW Dealer Novice Hurdle.

The 9/4 favourite took on the pace-setting Protaras on the final circuit, leading three out before holding off the strong challenge of chief market rival Dara Tango (5/2) on the run-in.

Townend’s mount dug deep in the closing stages, finding plenty under pressure to score by a length, with Protaras another two and a half lengths away in third.

Noel O’Neill, wearing two caps as both the successful breeder and trainer Donal Coffey’s representative, said “She was a bit flat at Killarney but was a different mare today. There is a nice novice hurdle for mares at Listowel for her, and she’s a tough and genuine mare. Fences will really be her game.”

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.