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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Ancient Sands delivers for Morgan

Fri 30th Aug 2013, 20:35

Ancient Sands and Paul Townend pop the last at Down RoyalAncient Sands and Paul Townend pop the last at Down Royal
© Photo Healy Racing

Ancient Sands scored a ready victory under Paul Townend in the Tayto Group Handicap Hurdle over two miles at Down Royal.

The five-year-old gelding was stepping up on a third-placed finish in Bellewstown eight days ago and his handler was confident this evening.

“I thought he might win. He ran very well in Bellewstown. I’m glad for the owners (David Mee) who are super owners and have had horses for years,” Joanna Morgan said.

“He’s been knocking on the door and likes that ground. He won a nursery here. He likes it here so I like it here!”

The 5/1 shot was seen travelling well coming to the third last. He led at the second last and was pushed out by Townend for a six-lengths decision. City Line (9/1) could make no impression from the final flight and came in second while it was three and a quarter lengths back to Four Wives in third at 7/1. Annakrista the 4/1 favourite, finished tailed off in 13th.

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.