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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Messie shows his nimble footwork in Punchestown

Tue 16th Oct 2018, 16:14

Messie, black and yellow striped cap, chases the leadersMessie, black and yellow striped cap, chases the leaders
© Photo Healy Racing

Messie (4-1) mowed down Rain In Spain in the closing stages of the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown to score by three quarters of a lengths.

Rain In Spain (8/1) looked to have the race at his mercy as he edged ahead of front-running Authorative at the last, however, Davy Russell and Messie stayed on strongly down the outside for glory.

Authorative (12/1) finished a length behind Rain In Spain in third with Realta Rathcabhain completing the places in fourth at 25/1.

Handler Stephen Ryan said: “He’s been fierce consistent and if the ground went his year was over. I was just lucky the ground stayed good and it was great to get a winner.

“Paul and Mary (McEvoy) bred him. They are lovely people from Cloughjordan and that is their first winner.

“Davy was saying to get him out quick as once they win one of those handicaps they might win two.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.