Search
![icon](/images/logo.png)
Cheltenham 2024
Main Site
Cheltenham Home
Cheltenham Cards
Cheltenham Results
-
Cheltenham Offers
Cheltenham Odds
-
Cheltenham Tips
Cheltenham News
Prestbury Cup
Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
-
Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- Home
- News
![Alan Magee](/photos/alanmagee2.jpg)
Alan Magee
Spirit proves tough on third maiden start
Tough Spirit (far side) beating Julienne
© Photo Healy Racing
Tough Spirit opened her account at the third attempt when just coming out best in a terrific finish to the Curragh ‘Where Champions Are Made’ Fillies Maiden.
The Iffraaj filly is the first foal out of One Spirit, a Listed-winning daughter of Invincible Spirit for Frank Dunne and Ann Marshall, and did her paddock value no harm with this narrow victory.
Thye 7/1 chance was one of five almost in a line inside the final furlong, and Shane Foley’s mount just got the better of Julienne by a nose. Intermedia was just a head further back in third.
Winning trainer Johnny Murtagh said, “I was a little bit disappointed at Leopardstown the last day but Colin did say the ground was a little bit quick for her.
“She should be a filly that will improve and she’s beautifully bred. She always showed a nice bit at home.
“She got away with the ground today but I think she will improve with a bit more ease in the ground. If we can find a nice fillies handicap now it would be a good stepping stone to see where she fits in.”
![](/photos/alanmagee2.jpg)