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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Well-bred Sligo horse scores in Mayo

Wed 22nd Jul 2020, 16:19

William Of Wykeham and Philip Enright (red cap) win from Futurum RegemWilliam Of Wykeham and Philip Enright (red cap) win from Futurum Regem
© Photo Healy Racing

Strandhill, Co. Sligo trainer Mark McNiff was on the mark in the Michael Cawe Suspended Ceilings (C & G) Maiden Hurdle with 14/1 chance William Of Wykeham. Scalino was out in a clear lead for much of the contest, but he was collared after the second-last and on the run to the final flight only two had a chance, with Phillip Enright’s mount travelling better than Futurum Regem

The Arcano gelding went clear in the final furlong to win by a comfortable five and a half lengths. The 6/4 favourite Hardy Man was pulled up.

The winner, bred by Ballymacoll Stud, had one unplaced run for Sir Michael Stoute, before being bought for £16,000 by his present handler in 2017.

He’d run a couple of respectable races at Fairyhouse since then, but has been difficult to keep right.

Winning trainer Mark McNiff said: "He had a good run as a three-year-old and then a few things went wrong with him.

“He was coming right then again but had more issues.

“As a half-brother to Golan (2,000 Guineas winner and Epsom Derby runner-up) and Tartan Bearer (also second at Epsom) he wasn’t bred to be winning a two mile six hurdle at Ballinrobe but we’ll take it.”

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy

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.