18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Clonbury Bridge strikes for the Dempseys

Thu 27th May 2021, 19:35

Clonbury Bridge (near side) jumps the last with Rathnaleen TouClonbury Bridge (near side) jumps the last with Rathnaleen Tou
© Photo Healy Racing

Clonbury Bridge took division two of the Foynes Handicap Hurdle for the father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey but only after a thrilling finish at Limerick. Rathnaleen Tou set the pace in a bid to follow up a win here last month, and the 9/4 favourite was joined at the second last by Clonbury Bridge.

The pair settled down to fight out a protracted battle from this point, with 3/1 shot Clonbury Bridge just getting the better of the argument close home by half a length. Kinnegad Lad was four and a half lengths adrift in third with Muyam Spirit in fourth.

Philip Dempsey said, "He had to battle and it was touch and go for a while but he kept at it. He got underneath the last a bit but was probably always doing enough.

"He had a few nice runs, has been consistent enough without winning and the bit of nicer ground helped. He was a bit disappointing running on the inside track here the last day but didn't finish out and maybe didn't stay.

"It mightn't have been that strong a race and the runner-up had never won off 90 but he won anyway."

(TW & AM)

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.