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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Blinkers do the trick for Kitten

Sun 28th Apr 2013, 16:29

Lucky Kitten quickens clear for Pat SmullenLucky Kitten quickens clear for Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing

Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen teamed up to take the three-year-olds’ mile handicap with 14/1 chance Lucky Kitten

The first-time blinkered gelding was patiently ridden on his handicap debut by the former champion, who elected to challenge on the wide outside in the straight.

He took a while to respond after Smullen produced the whip but really got on top inside the final 100 yards to win going away by three and a quarter lengths. Lake Louise backed on track from 8/1 down to 5/1 favourite, filled the runner-up spot with Kiss Goodnight (25/1) another half-length away in third.

Weld said, “He battled away. They went pretty quick which suited and he came home well. He ran a reasonable race last time, and he ran well when fourth at the Curragh on his final outing as a juvenile. Pat taking his time when they went quick helped his cause.”

Smullen also commented, “The penny is only dropping with him now, and he was a bit green early. The ground is a bit fresher on the outside close to the chase course.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
14/1
Tote €6.90 €1.70
2nd
3.25L
5/1Fav
€1.50
3rd
0.5L
25/1
€11.90
4th
nk
6/1
€1.90
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.