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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Keppols gains deserved win in opener

Thu 4th Dec 2014, 12:58

Keppols Queen (Robbie Power) jumps the last clearKeppols Queen (Robbie Power) jumps the last clear
© Photo Healy Racing

Keppols Queen gained reward for her consistency when landing the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

Runner-up to Shaneshill at Fairyhouse last time, the six-year-old daughter of Indian River was prominent throughout in this two-mile event.

Robbie Power sent her to the front after halfway, although a couple of rivals threw down challenges in the straight.

I’m All You Need ran well above his 50/1 starting price but wasn’t helped by a bad peck on landing two out, while 4/5 favourite A Hardy Nailer was unable to find any extra approaching the final flight.

Keppols Queen (11/4) asserted at this point, and drew right away on the run-in to beat I’m All You Need by six and a half lengths.

A Hardy Nailer was a further length and a quarter back in third.

Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said, "She had the form to do it and had plenty of experience but was unlucky to have been running into one too good. She was unlucky one day at Ballinrobe when they took out the last hurdle.

"I was thinking of going over fences with her but I might keep her to hurdles now and try for some black-type."

Harrington trains the winner for Rathangan owner/breeder Mona O'Loughlin.

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.