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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Highest Benefit keeps on a roll for Austin & Ryan

Sat 25th Jan 2020, 16:44

Highest Benefit (near side) challenges Court Adjourned at the lastHighest Benefit (near side) challenges Court Adjourned at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Willie Austin and Trevor Ryan have enjoyed a successful association this season and the pair teamed up again to take the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle with Highest Benefit at Fairyhouse.

The veteran Beneficial gelding has played a leading role in the rejuvenation of the Cloughjordan yard this term and was recording his third win in the space of just over six weeks.

The 11-year-old overcame a mistake at the penultimate flight and struck the front soon after a fine leap at the last.

Ryan took things easy in the closing stages and the 6/1 (from 9’s) chance was value for more than his diminishing winning margin of three quarters of a length.

Moyode Gold and Goulane Jessie both came home well to dead-heat for second place, while leader Court Adjourned weakened to finish fifth.

Austin said, “He stayed on great. He made a bit of a mistake at the second last but it woke him up.

“It was a bit too heavy for him here the last day and he liked that ground. We'll maybe get another one of these three-mile races somewhere.”

(GC & 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.