18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Carlow finally comes good over fences

Thu 15th May 2014, 19:22

Followmeuptocarlow and Paul Townend clear the lastFollowmeuptocarlow and Paul Townend clear the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Followmeuptocarlow gained a deserved win over fences when taking the Kedrah House Stud ‘Well Chosen’ Beginners Chase for trainer Tom Foley and rider Paul Townend.

The 11-year-old gelding has won four times over hurdles in the past but proved frustrating to follow over fences last term filling the runner-up spot on four occasions including a €50,000 handicap at Gowran Park.

However the 9/4 chance finally went one better here with Townend waiting until after two out before sending him to the front.

A fine jump at the last sealed the victory, although the veteran was kept right up to his work on the run-in by Townend to beat 11/10 favourite Clonbanan Lad by six lengths.

The front-running Smokey Joe Joe could find no extra in the straight to finish a further 17 lengths adrift in fourth.

Foley said, “We’ve been trying a long time but he was always getting beaten by a good one. We were in two minds about whether to come here or to go to Punchestown on Saturday.

“I was thinking yesterday at declaration time we had made the wrong decision as I was hoping a few of these wouldn’t have been declared. He’ll go on his holidays now.”

(TW & AM)

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.