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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Valyssa scores on chase debut

Fri 22nd Apr 2016, 22:30

Valyssa Monterg (No.14) and Mikey FogartyValyssa Monterg (No.14) and Mikey Fogarty
© Photo Healy Racing

Valyssa Monterg initiated a double at Kilbeggan for champion trainer Willie Mullins when making a successful switch to fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.

Rich and Sussanah Ricci’s French-bred had her task eased somewhat beforehand with a number of absentee’s including Missyspet due to the drying ground (officially good, good to firm in places).

Mikey Fogarty had the 4/6 favourite up with the pace throughout, and she had just headed the front-running Lenora when that rival pecked badly at the last.

The seven-year-old daughter of Network came home a cosy two and a quarter lengths winner from Knockraha Pylon with Charlotte’s Chum in third.

Fogarty said, “She won a handicap hurdle on good ground at Galway, and the ground suited her. Willie said not to let it turn into a sprint and to have her handy. She jumped safe and did it well.”

Mullins later sent out Kolumbus to justify 2/1 favouritism under his son Patrick in the bumper.

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.