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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Mystique Heights knuckles down for Doyle

Sun 6th Jan 2019, 15:34

Mystique Heights at the lastMystique Heights at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

"Mystique Heights beats off all comers" was the cry from racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon as the winner delivered in game fashion in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

He was prominent early for Ricky Doyle who sent him on after the first obstacle.

The pair were there to be shot at by plenty of rivals who jostled for position in behind coming to the second last.

Doyle got into the drive position on Mystique Heights after that hurdle, though, and the pair still held a narrow lead at the last.

Mystique Heights wasn't for passing as he made the best way home by a length from Latoyah Of North (12/1).

The well-backed Eviscerating (9/1 to 13/2) was three parts of a length further back in third with the eye-catching Uno Momento finishing well for fourth at 16/1.

Assistant trainer Jim Gorman said: “Luke (Comer) sourced him and he came from Mark Prescott.

“He ran well in Leopardstown. He’s been knocking on the door on the Flat, and he relishes good ground. He was back down a little bit in class from Leopardstown, and Ricky gave him a very good ride.”

Ricky Doyle added: "Leopardstown was a very good race and he still managed to come out fifth. Dropping back down in grade was a big help to him.

"We set off to get a lead but it was in my hands and we were hacking and they allowed me to be there and I was happy in front. I was hacking the whole way around.

"We sprinted up the hill and got first run on them. He should win a few more if he keeps that attitude up."

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.