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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Sayo in dominant form at Galway

Tue 8th Oct 2019, 16:52

Sayo and Paul Townend lead over the last from Stormey, far sideSayo and Paul Townend lead over the last from Stormey, far side
© Photo Healy Racing

Willie Mullins' Sayo ran his 10 rivals ragged off the front in the beginners' chase at Galway.

He jumped the last fence in the dip with a slight lead but absolutely tanked clear on the bridle entering the straight.

It was one-way traffic as he coasted 24 lengths clear at the winning post.

He was easy to back in the morning before contracting from 4/1 to 3/1 at the track. Fine Brunello took the runner-up berth at 7/2 and he was five and a half lengths in front of Stormey (10/1) who cracked in his pursuit of the winner after the last.

Jockey Paul Townend said: "The slower ground helped and there is still plenty to work on there but the last being so far from the line didn't do us any harm.

"He jumped better today and I think he will get the hang of it. It was a different race today than at Listowel as we weren't trying to follow John Queally's horse (Djingle) and we were able to get into a rhythm.

"He'll improve again from it and he was a high-class juvenile."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

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.