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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Love bowing out as Betty Zane wins easily at 25/1

Sat 2nd Jan 2021, 16:19

Dot LoveDot Love
© Photo Healy Racing

Betty Zane one of the final runners for trainer Dot Love as she hands over the licence to her long-time assistant Ciaran Murphy, showed much improved form on her third bumper start after a six-month break when readily landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Bumper at Cork.

The application of a hood was notable on the lightly-raced seven-year-old who also benefitted from a fine front-running ride by Aaron Murphy, building up a clear lead straight from flag fall.

Murphy gave the 25/1 chance a breather in the straight as Cute Cherry narrowed the gap to about three lengths over a furlong out but she stayed on strongly again to beat that rival by 11 lengths.

The evens favourite Angels Dawn was a further two lengths away in third.

Love said, "I'm having my last two runners tomorrow if they get the papers right for Ciaran (Murphy) to take over so this is a lovely way to finish.

"I started 20 years ago with a winner so this is a nice way to bow out and I'd like Ciaran to get started. We're doing a role-reversal and I'll be assistant - I'll be the general dog's body and driving the van!

"She is a lovely mare. We brought her schooling two weeks ago and she did it like that and when he gave her a squeeze today she just said "well, I'll go faster!".

"We always thought a bit of her but she had a few issues with her wind so we gave her a long time off and got it fixed.

"It is lovely for the owner and Aaron has been on a good diet to ride her. He rides her at home, gets on well with her and is a top head lad for us. Today's win is an extended family affair."

(TW & 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.