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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Berry doubles up on Celestial Prospect

Fri 23rd Aug 2013, 19:56

Celestial Prospect powers away in WexfordCelestial Prospect powers away in Wexford
© Photo Healy Racing

Martin Brassil’s Celestial Prospect (7/1) devoured the ground in the final 150 yards to sweep past Fairy Court and give jockey Fran Berry a Wexford double.

Fairy Court (9/2) had set sail in the home straight in this two mile handicap, but had no answer to Celestial Prospect’s finishing kick. The winning margin was two and three quarter lengths.

The front two pulled clear of third-placed Montagnard (20/1), who was beaten eight lengths by the winner.

Celestial Prospect evidently enjoys Wexford as he won a mile and six handicap there in May. In addition, he won a handicap hurdle last October at that course.

Martin Brassil said: "Mr & Mrs Quinn (part owners) drove five hours from Tyrone to get here and they won't even stay over. This will make the journey home a bit shorter. If they hadn't travelled I wouldn't have run him as I thought the ground had gone for him.

“I told Fran to keep him wide and if others dropped back that he would get a bit of encouragement and he did. We'll find a little handicap hurdle for him now over two and a half somewhere.

"He is rated 109 over hurdles and I think he can be competitive off that mark. I made a mistake the last day by running him over two miles in a hurdle."

Well-backed 7/2 favourite Sian (from 6s this morning) lost her place before the straight and weakened into 11th of the 15 runners.

Berry had won the opener on Magical Steps

The Stewards received a report from Ms Nicola O’Connor, Turf Club Veterinary Officer regarding the winner of this race, Celestial Prospect, trained by Mr Martin Brassil.

Evidence was heard from Ms O’Connor who stated that on entering the winners stable she found a bucket which contained some syringes and a number of veterinary sprays and liquid products.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned. Having considered the report, the Stewards referred the matter to the Chief Executive of the turf club for further investigation.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy

1st
7/1
Tote €7.50 €2.70
2nd
2.75L
9/2
€2.00
3rd
5.5L
20/1
€8.50
4th
2.75L
14/1
bf
6L
7/2Fav
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.