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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Friendless Mate is still the Chosen one

Sat 26th Jan 2019, 15:16

Chosen Mate wins well under Jack KennedyChosen Mate wins well under Jack Kennedy
© Photo Healy Racing

Chosen Mate defied a huge market drift to land division one of the Free Racecourse Wifi At Fairyhouse Maiden Hurdle.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was making his debut under rules having won a point-to-point last autumn but was friendless in the ring and went off a 14/1 chance having been as short as 7/2 in morning price lists.

However Jack Kennedy’s mount took control after two out and stayed on well to score by five lengths. Ocean Voyage made it a 1-2 for Elliott when staying on into second place on the run-in, while 13/8 favourite Fenta Des Obeaux could find no extra after pecking on landing at the second last eventually finishing third.

The Charles Byrnes-trained Poseidon was the medium of a significant gamble (22/1 earlier in the day and sent off 11/4) but was one paced in the straight to be soundly beaten in fourth.

Elliott said, “He's a grand horse and there is a lot of improvement in him. I thought he'd be a horse that would run respectable and could come back for a bumper. He has a good future, he's a big chaser.

“I think there is a novice hurdle at Punchestown for him on February 10th.”

(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.