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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

McDermott excels on tough Novarov

Thu 22nd Mar 2012, 17:16

Novarov is driven out by Sean McDermott to beat Daring Article (no. 1)Novarov is driven out by Sean McDermott to beat Daring Article (no. 1)
© Photo Healy Racing

Sean McDermott was seen to great effect when partnering the heavily-backed Novarov to a popular success in the UCC SU Handicap Hurdle.

The Co. Kerry rider was hard at work from early in the straight, and the 11/4 favourite (from 11/2) really started to respond from off the pace when switched to the far rail before the final flight.

The six-year-old gelding picked up well on the run-in to collar top-weight Daring Article (12/1), who lost some momentum when stumbling slightly on landing over the last.

A length and a quarter separated the pair at the line, with the same distance back to Sheer Genius (8/1) in third. Tell Dawstown (14/1) completed the placings.

Winning trainer John O’Shea said, “Sean gave him a savage ride. He can be tricky in that he hits flat spots in his races but he’s got endless stamina.

“He came up against a well-handicapped horse last time (Up For The Match at Gowran). He goes on most ground but wants a trip.

“He won on the Flat in Germany but is as slow as a boat. There seems to be some value out there at the moment in buying horses.”

O’Shea nominated a two and three quarter mile handicap at Fairyhouse and a three-miler at Punchestown as possible targets next month.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)

1st
11/4Fav
Tote €4.30 €1.02
2nd
1.25L
12/1
€3.50
3rd
1.25L
8/1
€2.50
4th
0.5L
14/1
€5.00
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.