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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Swampfire burns bright at Kilbeggan

Fri 24th Aug 2012, 17:13

Swampfire jumps the last well at KilbegganSwampfire jumps the last well at Kilbeggan
© Photo Healy Racing

Swampfire dominated the opening two mile maiden hurdle winning in a canter for trainer/jockey Denis Hogan.

The four-year-old gelding stepped up on his second placed finish in a 22-runner Cork maiden hurdle to win convincingly today by eight and a half lengths and reward favourite backers who took the 9/4. Falcarragh was the only horse able to go in pursuit of the favourite once he led from five out, but he was never on terms and came home second at 7/2.

The real tussle was for third as Knockeenonthedoor (11/2) edged out Salazar. by half a length, but this pair were some 27 lengths off the runner-up.

Denis Hogan said: “He took a while to do that. He was a very good horse on the flat and he’s got his jumping together.

“He’s starting to enjoy it now. It wasn’t the strongest of races and we’ve no real plan, but he might be sold.”

(on course reporting by Thomas 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.