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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Gaelic Arc easily accounts for rated rivals

Thu 12th May 2022, 17:13

Gaelic Arc and Niall Prendergast win the Botanica International Rated Novice Hurdle Gaelic Arc and Niall Prendergast win the Botanica International Rated Novice Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Gaelic Arc followed up his recent Down Royal win with a decisive victory in the Botanica International Rated Novice Hurdle at Clonmel.

The John Ryan trained six-year-old raced keenly in the early stages of the race but once jockey Niall Prendergast allowed him to stride on halfway down the back straight he always had manners in control.

The chasing pack closed up on the downhill run but Prendergast was only giving his horse a breather and picked up again to go away and win with something to spare. Prairie Dancer seemed ill at ease on the track so probably did well to say on for second, with Plains Indian back in third.

John Ryan said; "I couldn't believe who made that horse 14/1, it was a joke! We changed the way of riding him and he didn't come off the bridle at Down Royal, so I was wondering what I was missing - I couldn't understand it.

"He had gone off the boil after having a hard race behind American Mike last December and he loves the top of the ground. His half-brother won (Galop Marin) won four French Grade 1s.

"That chap (Prendergast) is in with me three days a week and this horse was his first winner as a conditional jockey at Down Royal. I left him on again today and it is great for him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.