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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Calvados up and running over flights

Mon 9th Aug 2021, 17:13

Calvados, green cap, in pursuit of Eternal PresenceCalvados, green cap, in pursuit of Eternal Presence
© Photo Healy Racing

Calvados showed an aptitude for the jumping game when making a winning debut over flights in the opening 3yo maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe.

She maintained trainer John McConnell's fine recent form after he saddled a treble in Downpatrick yesterday.

The leader Eternal Presence attempted to kick on from his rivals after the second last. However, Calvados moved into second with three furlongs to travel and set about attempting to reel him in.

The pursuer made relentless progress to close on the leader at the final flight. Eternal Presence soon came under the whip and was claimed turning for home.

The new leader was ridden clear by Simon Torrens (on his last day with a 3lb claim) to come home by five and a half lengths. She was backed from 6/1 to 10/3. Project Two came through for second at an easy-to-back 13/2. Eternal Presence, the 6/4 favourite, weakened in third.

Torrens said: “Today is the last day I’m eligible to claim so I made the most of it!"

"Things couldn’t be going any better at the moment.

“She got the trip well and jumped well. John (McConnell) rang me beforehand and he was very confident that she’d run a big race. She did exactly what he thought she was going to do and it worked out well.”

“It’s lovely ground, it’s good ground but it’s safe.”

Calvados had been unplaced in her six runs on the flat.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan

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.