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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Small World benefits from serious Walsh ride

Thu 28th Sep 2017, 16:09

Small World (left) beats Let's Twist AgainSmall World (left) beats Let's Twist Again
© Photo Healy Racing

Small World gained compensation for a narrow defeat here earlier this month when benefitting from a fine ride by Ruby Walsh to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle.

The 9/4 favourite looked in trouble when niggled along towards the rear over half a mile out but responded to the champion jockey’s urgings to challenge approaching the last.

The Peter Fahey-trained gelding, who won in decisive fashion at Downpatrick last month, headed recent Navan winner Let’s Twist Again in the closing stages to score by half a length in this three-mile event.

The pair pulled five and a half lengths clear of Vinnie Luck in third.

Fahey said, "He was a little bit unlucky the last day when Ronan (Short) rode him but gave him a good ride as well but in fairness Ruby gave him some ride. It was a serious ride.

"They probably didn't go quick enough and he looked like he was flat-out across the top when they were quickening away down the hill. I thought we were beaten but in fairness he stayed battling away.

"He'll stay tipping away in those races until the ground gets heavy. He's a handy little horse and I think he'll be better in a better race as carrying over 11st is a lot for him. We'll have to go a little bit higher now but it's great he has won again."

(TW & AM)

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.