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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Townend times it to perfection

Sat 30th Nov 2013, 15:36

Followmeuptocarlow (red cap) just gets up to beat the grey VaxalcoFollowmeuptocarlow (red cap) just gets up to beat the grey Vaxalco
© Photo Healy Racing

Paul Townend showed just why he’s regarded as one of the best in the business when completing a double of the afternoon with a superb ride on Followmeuptocarlow

The Tom Foley-trained needs to be delivered with a late challenge but Townend showed brilliant timing as he still had over half of the 24-runner field in front of him after two out.

However the 10/1 chance fairly motored on the run-in and just pegged back Vaxalco in the final strides to score by half a length. Brian Who and Tipped Up Harry completed the placings, while 2012 Irish National hero Lion Na Bearnai ran a cracker on his reappearance only weakening after a mistake at the last to finish fifth.

Foley said, “We weren’t expecting it as we thought he’d need the run but I’ve been preaching to the owner for a while now that Paul Townend is the man for this horse.

“He has to come with a run and time it to the exact beat. Nobody can do it better than Paul, and he produced him just right today.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.