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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Long layoffs no bother to Air Chief

Tue 11th Jun 2013, 18:21

Air Chief, right, comes to nail Hurricane Season at RoscommonAir Chief, right, comes to nail Hurricane Season at Roscommon
© Photo Healy Racing

Air Chief (14/1) and Hurricane Season (6/1jf) came through to dispute the spoils in the mile and a half handicap at Roscommon with the former getting the win by a nose, partnered by Emmet McNamara. Blue Ridge Lane fairly flew home under Shane Foley for third at 7/1, three parts of a length adrift. Long-time leader Surf’s Up dropped to fourth.

“He’s a horse that’s had wind problems. He’s always struggled in heavy ground,” successful trainer Eric McNamara said.

“He appreciated better ground, but it maybe turned a bit soft. It’s the nicest ground he’s had for a long time. He just about got his head in front thank God!

“We’ll look for something similar as soon as possible. Maybe Ballinrobe in a fortnight’s time.”

Air Chief’s previous run on the flat came some 1433 days ago when third at Goodwood on October 12 2008. His last outing over hurdles was in November last year when 18th at Cheltenham. Pennys Tune was withdrawn not under orders, for refusing to load.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
14/1
Tote €17.50 €4.40
2nd
nose
6/1JFav
€2.10
3rd
0.75L
7/1
€1.50
4th
1.5L
11/1
bf
0.75L
6/1JFav
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.