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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Berliet Express defies odds of 50/1 in style

Sat 7th Aug 2021, 19:41

Berliet Express (James O'Sullivan) leads over the lastBerliet Express (James O'Sullivan) leads over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Berliet Express provided trainer Philip Rothwell with his eighth winner of the season when causing a 50/1 shock in division two of the Mahon Hospitality Group New York Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

The lightly-raced gelding attracted some interest earlier in the day from 66/1 into 16/1 but was friendless before the race and drifted right out to 50/1.

However, the five-year-old belied the lack of confidence being patiently ridden to lead before the last and stretched right away on the run-in under James O’Sullivan to score by an easy eight lengths. Lesssaidthebetter took the runner-up spot with Kilashee a length further back in third.

Rothwell said, “The last day in Downpatrick was his first run in a handicap over 2m3f and he travelled brilliant to the second last and didn’t see it out.

“He has loads of pace and probably a mile on the Flat would be far enough. A sharp two miles around here suited him and James gave him a good ride.”

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.