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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

The Shunter delivers in Downpatrick

Fri 18th Sep 2020, 14:31

The Shunter and Brian Hayes pop the lastThe Shunter and Brian Hayes pop the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Emmet Mullins' The Shunter (5/2) picked off odds on favourite Tullybeg on the run-in to land the opening maiden hurdle in Downpatrick.

He took over from the 1/2 favourite soon after the last and put four lengths on him at the winning post.

Tullybeg could give no more and had to settle for the runner-up berth. He came in four and three quarter lengths ahead of third-placed Elderado (28/1).

Jockey Brian Hayes said: "I think the hood made a big difference. He didn't have the hood before, so I think today it really helped him settle. Getting him settled was key.

"He was a bit frisky going down to the start and he takes a bit of handling.

"Emmet did a great job getting him here and putting the hood on him I think has crowned him."

This was The Shunter's first run since being banned for 60 days following a running and riding enquiry after finishing fourth at Tipperary on 1st July.

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.