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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Newcomer Port Augusta puts himself in the shop window

Fri 17th Nov 2023, 17:08

Port Augusta, yellow cap with blue star, comes to catch Mint ManPort Augusta, yellow cap with blue star, comes to catch Mint Man
© Photo Healy Racing

For a long way it looked like 50/1 Mint Man was going to spring a shock in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race over six furlongs, however, Port Augusta collared him in the closing stages.

Mint Man made most and, despite being keen early, was still boxing on in the closing stages, but he couldn't fend off Port Augusta who put in good late work for Gary Carroll to get up a neck at a well-supported 7/2. Fair Taxes (17/2) was another three and a-quarter lengths away in third at 17/2.

Trainer Willie Browne said of the Zoustar newcomer: "It took him a little while, he was a bit green. We are not really surprised, he was training good.

"He was a horse that was meant to be a breeze-up horse, but he put up a splint and we had to regroup.

"We think he is nice - we didn't think we would beat the favourite (Emerald Banner), but we knew we would be competitive.

"There is (a winners' race coming up) but six furlongs was too short for him so, wherever we go, he will want to be going further.

"He has just a bit of class that got him through.

"He's for sale."

The winner scored in the colours of the trainer's partner, Tracey Kearney.

1st
7/2
Tote €4.60 €1.10
2nd
nk
50/1
€13.60
3rd
3.25L
17/2
€1.70
4th
hd
22/1
bf
nk
4/7Fav
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.