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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Lieutenant Colonel earns his stripes

Sun 17th Nov 2013, 16:36

Lieutenant Colonel heads for home in PunchestownLieutenant Colonel heads for home in Punchestown
© Photo Healy Racing

Dessie Hughes unleashed a useful-looking newcomer in the bumper at Punchestown as Lieutenant Colonel (7/1) scored for Gigginstown House Stud.

The four-year-old son of Kayf Tara powered his way through under Johnny King and hit the line just ahead of Klinnsman (also on debut for Edward Harty) who flew down the outside to be beaten a head at 8/1 from 14s.

“He’s a nice horse, he’s been working like a good horse but you never know with bumpers. He showed plenty of pace throughout the race. He quickened up well and he showed plenty of guts at the end. He was in front a bit early,” trainer Dessie Hughes said.

“He didn’t run in point-to-points as he was a bit backward last year so he did well to win first time. I don’t really like winners’ bumpers and there’s plenty of maiden hurdles for him over Christmas.”

Macbride was backed as though defeat was out of the question – 7/2 to 6/4 this morning. Aidan O’Brien’s charge was making his racecourse bow and was steered along the inside by Sara O’Brien into third, beaten two heads in a bunch finish. His SP was 7/4.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.