Abbey Magic and Sean Flanagan © Photo Healy Racing
Henry de Bromhead had very strong numerical representation in the Tote Proud Sponsor of The Galway Races Handicap Chase and it was Abbey Magic (11/1), one of his septet of runners, who came out on top.
50/1 chance Benefit Run owned by the Galway-based Downtown Syndicate, looked set for victory when going a few lengths clear off the home turn, but he couldn’t sustain his effort up the hill and Abbey Magic came back to collar him in the final half-furlong.
A length and a quarter was the margin of victory, with another of the de Bromhead contingent, Zarkareva (16/1), a further half length back in third.
The 10-year-old daughter of Beneficial has won five of her ten starts over fences.
"It was a brilliant ride from Sean and the mare was brilliant," said the winning trainer, who was completing a double after Annie G s win in the Listed novice hurdle.
"She is tough out, just missed the last but that gave her something to aim at.
"It was a brilliant race to win, she owes us nothing and I'm delighted for (winning owners) the Halleys. I presume those mares' conditions chases will be up her street and better ground is a big thing for her.
"At one point in the race, I was thinking 'I've run seven and I still can't win it' but she was tough out.
Zarkareva ran well and a few others (including 9/2 fav Tiger Voice were disappointing."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
