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Muskerry Rock puts himself in the shop window

Muskerry Rock, far side, gets back up from Tiffiny's Girl Muskerry Rock, far side, gets back up from Tiffiny's Girl
© Healy Racing Photos

James King 's Muskerry Rock was off the bridle a long way from home, but there was no doubting his resolution at the end of 2m7f in the Buy Tickets Online Novice Hunters Steeplechase at Wexford.

He was niggled along in the lead by Pa King with a circuit to go as the pair were closely attended by Tiffiny's Girl and Johnny Barry.

Muskerry Rock was fully off the bridle in the dip as Tiffiny's Girl launched her challenge. She was on terms two out and led narrowly at the last, however, the race wasn't over as Muskerry Rock really warmed to the task and surged back into the lead in the closing stages before bounding away by four and a-quarter lengths at 12/1.

Runner-up Tiffiny's Girl went off a 4/1 chance and finished half a length up on Thehandsomecharmer (6/1).

“You can’t go too fast with him, he just likes to be hunted along," the jockey said.

“He didn’t really enjoy Tramore the last day. He jumps for fun and it was a great win.

“I was a bit slow at the second last, got in under it, but I met the last on a good stride and he was good and quick and landed running and going away again.

“He had plenty left, he was staying going. He makes you work a little bit for it but that’s okay.

“He’s a very horse as he’s in my wife’s colours. He was the first point-to-point winner and now first track win so it’s all good at home!

“He could possibly go to the sale in Tattersalls in May. I spoke to Jamie Codd before the race and he said there would be a good market for him.

“He’s rated 84 over hurdles and fences and that shouldn’t affect him too much, I don’t think.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.