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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Farouk D'alene makes successful switch to fences

Sat 4th Dec 2021, 15:17

Farouk D'alene and Kevin Sexton just lead over the lastFarouk D'alene and Kevin Sexton just lead over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Farouk D’alene overcame a near 12 months absence when making a successful switch to fences in the Navan Racecourse Beginners Chase and in the process complete a five-timer for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Kevin Sexton took over in the saddle from Davy Russell, who sprained his wrist in a fall earlier on the card, and the Grade 2 winning hurdler was prominent throughout in this competitive 2m4f event.

The 7/2 chance led over the last where Keskonrisk made a mistake and subsequently lost his action in the closing stages. Farouk D'alene was driven out in the closing stages to hold off the late surge of Blue Sari by three-quarters-of-a-length, with Ashdale Bob a further three-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.

Elliott said, “He's a good horse. He was off the track for a long time, I thought he'd come on from it and he will come on a lot from it.

“He was gutsy and chasing is his game. He jumped well the whole way around from what I could see.

“He wouldn't be a horse for Leopardstown as it would be too quick and we'll try and find a Graded race somewhere for him.

“He's in the race at Limerick and if it was bottomless heavy ground he might go there.”

He also reflected on a disappointing run by Tiger Roll who pulled up with a circuit to run at Aintree saying: “I doubt if it would be his last race, definitely not. The ground went very soft over there so it probably wouldn't have been ideal. We'll see how we are.”

(GC & AM)

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.