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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Lodge takes dramatic opener

Thu 26th Jan 2012, 13:34

Just five went to post for the opening P J Foley Memorial Hurdle at Gowran Park but there was no shortage of drama with Burrenbridge Lodge only confirmed the winner following a stewards enquiry.

The front-running One Cool Shabra (12/1) was narrowly headed by Burrenbridge Lodge (10/1) at the final flight, at which point the 5/4 favourite Gorgeous Sixty loomed alongside as a big danger.

Burrenbridge Lodge kept on gamely under pressure for Tom Doyle on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter but in the process edged right and tightened up One Cool Shabra and John Cullen on the far rail.

Following a stewards enquiry the placings remained unaltered, although Doyle picked up a three day suspension for careless riding.

Winning trainer Kieran Purcell said, “I don’t know where to go next as the Grade 1 at Leopardstown may come too soon. He’s a good honest, tough horse and stands about 16.3 tall.

“If a good trainer had him what would he be like!” quipped Purcell.

Stan James have introduced the winner at 25/1 for the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

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.