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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Rivals fail to reach Target

Mon 29th Jul 2013, 19:48

Target Acquired (nearest) holds on in a bunch finishTarget Acquired (nearest) holds on in a bunch finish
© Photo Healy Racing

Target Acquired proved game in front as he recorded a hard-fought success in the Claytonhotelgalway.ie Handicap.

Chris Hayes found a willing partner in the Majestic Missile gelding as he rallied gamely in the straight to take the seven-furlong contest.

He looked booked for second turning for home as he was collared by Hail Shower but fought back to regain the lead on the run-in.

The pack chased hard on the run to the line but Target Acquired held on for a neck success over Hail Shower in a bunch finish.

The 11/2 winner was turning out again quickly having won at Down Royal only three days ago.

“It was a bit of a risk bringing him back so quick after Down Royal,” said trainer Andy Oliver.

“He's a tough horse. He won it from the front and stuck to his task well. He had a lot of weight with 10st-5lb and I've never seen Chris come out with so heavy a saddle. It was like he was going to ride in a bumper!

“He gave him a positive ride and he toughed it out. I'm very happy.

“He's in again later in the week but that might be a bit greedy. He's looks progressive and when he hits the front he just does enough.”

9/2 favourite Quinine made no impression in ninth.

1st
11/2
Tote €7.00 €2.40
2nd
nk
16/1
€6.50
3rd
hd
12/1
€5.50
4th
0.5L
6/1
bf
0.75L
9/2Fav
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.