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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Nicaragua bolts up under O'Brien

Sat 23rd Jul 2016, 16:57

Nicaragua leads them a merry dance in GowranNicaragua leads them a merry dance in Gowran
© Photo Healy Racing

Nicaragua enjoyed her spin around Gowran as she hacked up under Ana O'Brien in the mile and a half apprentice handicap.

She took an early lead and powered away from the big field at the two marker. O'Brien went for the whip a furlong and a half down as the pair moved well clear approaching the final furlong.

The four-year-old filly wandered right inside the final furlong but was driven out to score by five and a half lengths at 16/1. Ask Katie (12/1) stayed on well for second just ahead of Mrs Conn (22/1) and 5/1 chance Gun Shoot in third and fourth respectively.

Trainer Con O’Keeffe said: “She had a few nice runs last year but was then a bit disappointing so we decided to give her a break.

"Her action would suggest that she would like a bit of a cut in the ground but she seemed to handle that today. They are making a bit of a print in it.”

She had a tongue strap fitted for the first time today.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
16/1
Tote €8.10 €2.70
2nd
5.5L
12/1
€3.00
3rd
0.5L
22/1
€6.60
4th
0.5L
5/1
€2.00
bf
1.25L
4/1Fav
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.