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Swan shines On Eagles Wings in Grade 3 novice

Harry Swan with proud dad Charlie (left) and grandad Timmy Hyde (right) after On Eagles Wings Grade 3 winHarry Swan with proud dad Charlie (left) and grandad Timmy Hyde (right) after On Eagles Wings Grade 3 win
© Photo Healy Racing

The Bar One Racing ‘Download Our App’ Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle proved a great triumph for the Swan/Hyde family as On Eagles Wings landed the Grade 3 prize for teenage amateur Harry Swan.

The 18-year-old is the son of nine-times champion jockey Charlie Swan, and for good measure the gelding is owned and trained by the successful rider’s grandparents Trish and Timmy Hyde. Goodbye Someday and Alko Rouge ensured a strong pace in this two miles event, and the former was challenged by On Eagles Wings approaching the final flight.

The pair battled it out on the run in with Swan certainly looking the part despite not being able to claim his 7lb allowance as the 11/2 chance got up to score by half a length.

The pair pulled eight lengths clear of the 7/4 favourite Shadow Rider who wasn’t making much impression before a mistake at the last.

Winning trainer Timmy Hyde said, “Tim junior persuaded me to run him in this as I was going to run him in a handicap. He’s an honest horse.

“They went very fast and Harry was cool on him.

“I’m not sure where he will go next. He’s well schooled over fences and I’m looking forward to him going chasing.”

Proud father Charlie Swan said, “He jumped great and I’d say his jumping won it for him.

“That’s just Harry’s third ride over hurdles but he’s had a good few rides in hunter chases and point-to-points. He’s had two winners and a second now over hurdles.

“I was roaring a bit which was probably quite embarrassing when I think of it but that was great.

“I can see what my mother went through as you are always a bit nervous but that was fantastic and he gave him a great ride.

“Timmy has been training the horse so well and all credit to him for keeping him so fresh and well.”

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.