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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Island justifies good support for Hogan

Thu 19th Nov 2015, 15:22

Long House Island (left) and Repeater come close on the run-inLong House Island (left) and Repeater come close on the run-in
© Photo Healy Racing

The market proved a good guide to the Liscahill Novice Handicap Hurdle at Thurles as Long House Island justified good support for trainer/rider Denis Hogan.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old gelding was reappearing after a lengthy absence when making a promising start for Hogan at Naas earlier this month, and punters latched onto him here.

Early morning quotes of 11/2 soon disappeared, and the son of Turtle Island was further supported on track from 5/2 into 2/1 favourite.

He travelled well under Hogan to lead on the inner two out but Repeater 8/1 having been double those odds this morning, threw down a determined challenge on the run-in.

A stewards enquiry was called after the favourite edged left in the closing stages before holding on by a head but the placings were left unaltered. Dragon Khan was a further three and a half lengths back in third.

Hogan said, "He's not the easiest to train and can be very hot and the hood is a massive help.

"It wasn't the strongest race but he needs to go a gallop and to get settled early. Coming back in company from a 0-116 to a 102, with the run under his belt, was a big help.

"He'll jump a fence in time and I'm delighted for the Duggans, from Birdhill, as this is my first winner for them and they're great supporters of mine."

(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.