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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

The Game Changer learning in Cork

Sun 3rd Nov 2013, 14:00

The Game Changer leads after the last in CorkThe Game Changer leads after the last in Cork
© Photo Healy Racing

The Game Changer made a successful transition to hurdling when winning the opener in Cork for Charlie Swan and Davy Russell.

The four-year-old gelding proved popular with betting ring punters who took the 15/8 and all prices down to 11/8 on the favourite.

Davy Russell had him in front coming to the sixth. Daneking and Katie T were the only rivals who were placed to throw down the gauntlet, however, the pair couldn’t pass The Game Changer who won by a length and three parts.

The winner was untidy at the last two flights, but Katie T made a worse mistake at the final hurdle which cost her second place and the opportunity to challenge the leader.

Daneking, uneasy at 6/4 from 9/10, kept on for second a short head in front of Katie T (13/2). The front three were well clear as it was nine lengths back to Allied Victory in fourth.

Charlie Swan said: “It was a messy type of a race and he’s the type of horse who shouldn’t be in front too long, but it wasn’t Davy’s fault as it was a slow gallop. He has to come late but he learned something.

“He’s a funny horse at home. He’s gawky and always looking at things when in front. He would have needed the run today. We’ll keep it low-key for now and find a winners of one somewhere.”

The Game Changer had won a bumper in Thurles in March before being brought down in the Goff Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown in April.

Additional 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.