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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Vaucelet wins hunters' chase for Christie and Harvey

Mon 3rd May 2021, 17:50

Vaucelet and Ben Harvey (left) jump the last upsides runner-up William Tyndale
Vaucelet and Ben Harvey (left) jump the last upsides runner-up William Tyndale
© Photo Healy Racing

The 11/8 favourite Vaucelet trained in Derrylin Co. Fermanagh by David Christie, won the Virtual Racing On The BoyleSports App Maiden Hunters’ Chase on his first chase start on a racecourse.

Having run a couple of nice races over hurdles for Liz Doyle, the Authorized gelding was touched off in a point-to-point on his first start for his current handler.

Back from a winter break, the 6-year-old travelled well to lead before the last and kept on well to defeat the 50/1 chance William Tyndale by a length and three quarters.

Winning rider Ben Harvey said: "He's still a big baby. The way the race worked out I was left there a bit soon but when I did get stuck into him at the back of the last, he really rallied and showed his little bit of class.

"I imagine he will improve as he goes up the grades. He's a really nice horse to look forward to.

"He's still inexperienced and learning on the job today. He still did it well.

"He jumped brilliantly - David's horses always jump great. It makes my life easier when you ride a good jumper like that."

Quotes from Michael Graham

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.