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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Better is Alright for local man Casey

Thu 16th Feb 2012, 16:08

Liam Casey, holding his daughter Lily, and Paddy Mangan<br>after the success of BetterthanalrightLiam Casey, holding his daughter Lily, and Paddy Mangan
after the success of Betterthanalright
© Photo Healy Racing

Betterthanalright provided local trainer Liam Casey with something of a shock victory at Clonmel when taking the two and a half miles Demense Maiden Hurdle at odds of 14/1.

Paddy Mangan had the six-year-old gelding close to the pace throughout, and took over in the lead on the final circuit as 8/15 favourite Are Ya Right Chief started to struggle under Ruby Walsh.

The winner was in command from two out as he stayed on strongly to beat Noble Pageant (6/1) by five lengths, with Presenting Lol (16/1) another two lengths adrift in third.

The hot favourite proved a bitter disappointment, and could only plug on onepaced to finish fourth. He was later found to be clinically abnormal.

Casey said, “He’s a home-bred and won his point-to-point at Dromahane last October. I’m delighted to win a maiden hurdle with him.

“I stuck him in a handicap hurdle at Thurles next Thursday. He’ll probably have one more run over hurdles, and then we’ll leave him off and go chasing in the autumn.”

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.