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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

King hits the bookies in bumper

Sat 6th Oct 2012, 17:58

Pay The King (right) gets the better of Minella HeroPay The King (right) gets the better of Minella Hero
© Photo Healy Racing

The market was obviously going to provide a major pointer to the Mooncoin (Pro-Am) Flat Race with no form under rules to go on, and Pay The King hit the bookmakers hard when making a winning debut.

The John Hassett-trained gelding was available at 12/1 this morning, and was further supported on track from 8/1 into 11/2.

The son of King's Theatre challenged in the straight under John Thomas McNamara, and kept on well inside the final furlong to beat Minella Hero (7/1) by two and a quarter lengths. Silver Tassie the heavily-backed 11/8 favourite, could never quite get on terms with the principals but kept on to finish another length back in third.

Hassett said, "He's a lovely horse. He's probably bred to get a bit further than this but we couldn't miss the opportunity of the good ground here.

"He's straight forward to train and has a bright future over jumps.We'll see how he comes out of this before making any plans."

(AM & GC)

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.