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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Babe edges it in a thriller

Thu 16th Jan 2014, 14:45

Byerley Babe (right) and Une Artiste fight out the finishByerley Babe (right) and Une Artiste fight out the finish
© Photo Healy Racing

Nicky Henderson sent his first runner to Thurles as Une Artiste took on ten rivals in the Fame And Glory & Sans Frontieres Coolmore National Hunt Sires EBF Mares Novice Chase but the French bred was just denied as Byerley Babe came out best in a thrilling finish.

Philip Enright gave Byerley Babe a confident ride to challenge in the straight, and the two principals flew the final fence together.

Neither mare gave an inch on the run-in in this two and a half miles Grade 2 event and, after a photo-finish, it was Robert Tyner’s 3/1 chance that just came out on top by a nose.

Caoimhe’s Delight was a further length and a half adrift in third.

Tyner said, “She is not qualified for the next mares’ chase her in a few weeks time but there is a Graded mares chase at Limerick over St Patrick’s weekend for her.

“She got in a bit tight to the fourth last but I thought she’d sail past at the next. Philip said she drifted out a bit to her left on the run-in. She is a fine big strong mare and has lots of class, and travels very well in her races.”

A delighted Enright said, “I winged the last and landed in front. She’s tough and she’s gutsy and stuck her head out. She ran a little left under pressure and until the last two strides I was confident.

“Robert has done a wonderful job with this mare. When she won her point-to-point he spoke highly of her, and I’m delighted she’s proved herself today.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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.