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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Bland gets off the mark in style

Sat 16th Mar 2024, 15:47

Lilian Bland and Richie Deegan Lilian Bland and Richie Deegan
© Photo Healy Racing

Lilian Bland dug deep from the last to run out a convincing winner of the two-and-a-half mile handicap chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Niall Hennessy 's charge was soon in front under Richie Deegan and found plenty when asked for an effort in the straight. Ernie From Nurney came to press over the last but the Mountain High mare opened up on the run-in to stretch clear and score by seven lengths. Friends N Commerce who had disputed for much of the trip, kept on again to claim the runner-up spot.

Hennessy said:- “It took a while but it’s great to get her head in front.

“She was second to Mighty Jeremy, who went on to win a few races, on similar ground at Clonmel last year. I’d say that’s what she wants.

“We could tip away with her for a while as long as the ground is yielding or softer. Two and a half is her trip.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.