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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Treasure battles gamely to see off Mullins pair

Mon 25th Jun 2018, 19:57

Treasure Chest and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victoryTreasure Chest and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Treasure Chest saw off the Willie Mullins duo of Lareena and Bargy Lady to take the Midlands National Ladies Day July 20th Handicap Hurdle.

Successful on his hurdling debut over the course twelve months ago, the Joseph O'Brien trained five-year-old failed to follow-up on his five starts since.

He finished down the field on his return to action last month, and having opened on-course at 16/1 this evening, he eventually went off a 12/1 chance in the colours of JP McManus

Settled behind the leaders by JJ Slevin, the son of Galileo got to the front two out, and was ridden from the last.

Lareena came with a strong challenge on the run-in, but the bay victor battled on gamely to prevail by a short head.

The runner-up was returned at 8/1 under David Mullins, while the 5/2 favourite Bargy Lady was another three lengths back in third with Paul Townend aboard.

Frank Berry, McManus' racing manager, said afterwards: "He jumped well and travelled well. He was probably getting a bit lonely in front but in fairness he battled back well. We'll find another race for him, maybe in Bellewstown."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Product Of Love trained by Alan Fleming, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.