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Conker proves hard to crack in beginners

The Conker Club leads Bellgrove over the lastThe Conker Club leads Bellgrove over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

The Conker Club bridged a losing run stretching back over two years when recording a hard-earned victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

Bill Harney's charge added to a previous Clonmel maiden hurdle success when leading after two out in this 2m1f event.

Robbie Colgan kept the 5/2 favourite right up to her work to beat Bellgrove (7/1 this morning and sent off just 3/1) by a length and a quarter. Shamar had the field well stretched out from an early stage but compromised his chance by continually jumping left.

He was a spent force after two out and only just climbed over the last to trail in a further 38 lengths back in third.

Harney said, "It's just nice to win with her and she deserves it. I've no plans and we'll sit and have a think.

"The lads who own her love it and really get excited. She's a great animal for a syndicate as she's fun all the time and is always knocking on the door.

"She handles most type of ground except really bad heavy winter ground."

(GC & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.