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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Bally in the swing to deny Hoof

Wed 11th Jul 2012, 15:44

Ballyhoura (right) challenges Uponthe Hoof (centre) at the lastBallyhoura (right) challenges Uponthe Hoof (centre) at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Ballyhoura put a baffling performance at Kilbeggan last time well behind him when getting up in the final strides to pip favourite Uponthe Hoof in the two and a half miles maiden hurdle at Wexford.

The Beneficial gelding, a 13/2 chance, was reluctant to jump off on his previous start and never played any meaningful part but confirmed the promise of some earlier placed form here.

Uponthe Hoof, owned by a partnership including top golfer Lee Westwood and his manager Andrew “Chubby” Chandler” looked the one to beat approaching the straight.

However the 6/4 favourite found little under pressure on the run-in, and was out-pointed by a neck, with 40/1 shot Hello Louie a length and a quarter back in third.

Winning trainer Colm Murphy was absent but J P McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said, “It’s nice to see him get his head in front. He jumped well and travelled well.

“I don’t know what happened at Kilbeggan last time.”

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.