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Gate proves cosy winner in finale

The Church Gate The Church Gate
© Photo Healy Racing

The Church Gate ran out a cosy winner of the finale at Fairyhouse this afternoon when claiming the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle. Fintown Boy went to post seeking a quick hat-trick in the race and was sent off the 6/4 favourite.

He was heading before the last flight by The Church Gate, however, as Keith Donoghue produced the 11/1 shot with a strong run.

Matthew Smith 's charge was soon in control and was easing down at the line to post a three-and-a-half length success over Euro So Brave Fintown Boy faded to finish fourth.

The winning trainer said afterwards:- “We didn’t bring him back into the parade ring as he gets a bit hot and we wanted to get water on to cool him down. He’s been like that before but he’s fine now.

“I was a bit worried about the ground but he handled it fine and he did that well.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)

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.