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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Identity Thief takes Grade 2 feature

Fri 30th Oct 2015, 14:54

Identity Thief is awkward at the lastIdentity Thief is awkward at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Identity Thief got his season off to a great start when making all in the featured Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal.

This two-mile event for second season hurdlers has been won by some decent types in the past including Jezki two years ago, and the Gigginstown-owned five-year-old was completing a double on the day for Bryan Cooper who successfully carried the same colours on Cogryhill in the maiden hurdle.

The only real moment of worry for the well-backed 15/8 favourite came at the final flight where Cooper spotted a long stride but the Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding decided to put in an extra one at the last minute.

The combination got safely to the other side and kept on well on the run-in to beat Whiteout by three and a half lengths, with Modem finding no extra from before the last another eight and a half lengths back in third.

De Bromhead said, "He showed some really nice form last year but possibly everything happened a bit quickly for him as he won his bumper and maiden hurdle first-time out both times.

"I'll talk to the O'Leary's but I imagine he'll stay hurdling this year and will make a lovely chaser.

"I'm delighted with that. He did it well and jumped great apart from the last. I hope he'll improve. He did it the hard way and Bryan gave him a super ride. He is riding out of his skin.

"The race that comes to mind is the Hattons Grace over two and a half miles."

When asked about possibly going down the Champion Hurdle route he replied, "I wouldn't mind going down the Champion Hurdle route. You know me, I like to live the dream!"

Cooper said, "He's strengthened up well after a summer break and is improving the whole time. He jumped well bar the last which was mixed communications. He got me out of trouble and won with a bit up his sleeve as well."

(MG & AM)

1st
15/8Fav
Tote €3.20 €1.80
2nd
3.5L
5/2
€1.10
3rd
8.5L
3/1
4th
2.75L
7/1
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.