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The Book Thief snatches late win

The Book Thief on the far side of Count SalazarThe Book Thief on the far side of Count Salazar
© Healy Racing Photos

The Book Thief recorded his first win in over three and a half years when edging ahead close home to take the Tote Mobile Betting Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan today for trainer Eoghan O'Grady.

Count Salazar , under Jody McGarvery, looked set to score despite an untidy jump at the final flight but threw away their advantage on the run-in when edging to the outer, allowing The Book Thief, under Philip Enright, up on the inner to record a last gasp short head win.

Afterwards a delighted O'Grady stated “that's been a long time coming! He won a bumper here a few years ago and has run well here a few times but is a long time trying to win a chase.

“He had a nice low weight and Philip gave him a good ride to get him up. There's a race at Listowel for him and hopefully the handicapper doesn't give him too much for that.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson