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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Northern Surprise benefits from wind op

Sat 11th Jul 2015, 15:18

Northern Surprise, near side, approaches the line in frontNorthern Surprise, near side, approaches the line in front
© Photo Healy Racing

Northern Surprise (8/1) and Billy Lee repelled all the closers in the extended seven furlong handicap at Tipperary.

On the approach to the straight the four-year-old gelding raced in fourth before unleashing his challenge a furlong and a half from home.

Under a drive from Lee, he got his head in front of Octavia just inside the final furlong and forged on to win by half a length and a neck from the fast-finishing Oor Jock (4/1) and Octavia (4/1).

There was a bunch finish for the places as Athassel and Knights Templar were only a head and a neck further away in fourth and fifth respectively.

Trainer Tim Doyle said: "He goes like a nice horse at home but was disappointing in the spring and had a wind operation since his last run.

"The ground is as quick as he'd like it and he'll go to Galway for something next."

Billy Lee added: "I just thought the ground might be a bit quick for him but the rain arrived on the top of it and it is nice and safe (ground).

"He has travelled well all the way. I got there a bit soon and he was idling in front but he has kept going well. Tim said he was very happy with him beforehand. He had a little wind op since his last run and it has done the trick."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
8/1
Tote €10.70 €2.10
2nd
0.5L
4/1
€1.60
3rd
nk
4/1
€1.40
4th
hd
6/1
bf
3.25L
3/1Fav
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.