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Karl Des Tourelles grinds out Galway success

Karl Des Tourelles Karl Des Tourelles
© Healy Racing Photos

The consistent Karl Des Tourelles (1/1) justified favouritism in the opener at Galway, the SANSERV Rated Novice Chase, for trainer Philip Fenton and jockey Sean Flanagan.

The six-year-old ran well on his last start behind the Willie Mullins-trained Road To Home, and that run brought him forward plenty as he travelled sweetly throughout the contest.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained King's Bucks and the Charles Byrnes-trained On Your Way looked to be giving the favourite something to think about as they turned for home, but under a strong drive from Flanagan, Karl Des Tourelles dug deep to grind out victory by two and a quarter lengths.

Trainer Fenton explained "He likes that ground, but it was a trip short of his best, and when he had to dig deep, he did. The slow jump at the last wasn't a help, but with it being a stiff track, he powered home.

"For a horse with a fine rating, it is still only his second win, and we might ride him differently in a better race. We won't aim for anything fancy yet, and he might turn up in a handicap at Cork or Punchestown in November.

"His owner Damien Tiernan, who is from Roscommon and heads CDL Racing Ltd, didn't make it today."

(Quotes from Tom Weekes)

About Niall Tierney
Niall is a DCU graduate from Kildare with experience in sports journalism and digital media. He has previously worked with Reach.com and contributed freelance pieces to the Irish Independent and the Irish Mirror. With a strong passion for sport including racing, football, GAA, and hurling.

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