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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Russell brings up Tramore brace on Crazyheart

Tue 1st Jan 2019, 15:32

Crazyheary, near side, challenges D'bru Na BoinneCrazyheary, near side, challenges D'bru Na Boinne
© Photo Healy Racing

Crazyheart pipped D'bru Na Boinne by a nose at the end of two miles in the rated novice chase at Tramore.

The eight-year-old gelding gave Davy Russell a double after a game display at 7/2.

He jumped the last slightly better than the leader and was on terms racing into the final 50 yards. At the line he got the decision by the narrowest margin from the 12/1 runner-up. Littlestickarubarb was two lengths behind in third at 13/2.

James Nolan, assistant trainer to his brother Paul, said: "That's great for the owners, especially Jim Coffey of SoftCo who sponsors the yard. He loves coming down here on New Year's Day.

"He has been a very, very frustrating horse. He was an expensive horse after winning a point-to-point for Colin Bowe. Since the day we bought him he has had tendon injuries, wind issues, cuts, everything you could think of.

"I'm just glad for the lads today that he won what looked a very moderate contest. The favourite (Reach Up) falling probably helped him as well. There was no plan for him other than today. It was a frustrating Christmas so at least that is one winner for us."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

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.