18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Magee hoping for a revival from Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy 
Arch Enemy
© Healy Racing Photos

Arch Enemy gave Shercock Co Cavan trainer Paddy Magee his biggest win when landing the Bahrain Turf Club October Handicap at Leopardstown just over a year ago and Magee is hoping that a switch back to hurdles at Wexford this afternoon will see a revival in form for the mare.

After that Leopardstown triumph under Julian Pietropaolo, the Alhebayeb mare won over flights at Fairyhouse in December and was second at the same track in February.

Since then, however, the six-year-old has struggled under both codes and now lines up in the Slaney View Honda Handicap Hurdle (2.22) with Eoin Finegan taking 7lb off her back. 

"She has been a bit disappointing this year, so we are just hoping that hurdles will spark her again," said Magee. 

"She's in great form and she's working well, but she has been all year and has been a bit disappointing. 

"Her homework is as good, if not better than ever, so we are very hopeful."

Magee has had his best season on the Flat in 2025 with eight winners including Goldrush Kid who snared a Curragh handicap in March.

The four-year-old runs over a mile at Galway (1.05) this afternoon and has each-way claims under apprentice title contender Robert Whearty.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.