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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Comfortable for Calico on chasing debut

Mon 11th Sep 2023, 18:46

Calico (nearest) jumps the last alongside Kiki Badger and Rexem (centre) Calico (nearest) jumps the last alongside Kiki Badger and Rexem (centre)
© Photo Healy Racing

Calico comfortably accounted for her eight rivals in the Galway City Beginners Chase, completing a double for Gordon Elliott, who was earlier on the mark at Perth.

A three-time hurdles winner and starting off over the larger obstacles this evening, the Spanish Moon four-year-old was sent off the clear market leader at 10/11 (9/4 early)

Settled in mid-division by Jack Kennedy and not fluent at the second, she took closer order from five out and travelled best to lead upon entering the straight.

Ridden inside the final 200 yards, the Goldman Racing Syndicate-owned bay soon went clear and came home two-and-a-half lengths to the good.

Returned the 9/4 second favourite, Rexem filled the runner-up spot, while Kiki Badger (9/1) was another four-and-a-half lengths away in third.

"She jumped well, travelled great and did it well. She had jumped well at home," Kennedy enthused.

"Gordon is very good with those four-year-old fillies and geldings and doesn't delay too long in running them over fences.

"It was a good opportunity today getting the allowances, she jumped great and I couldn't fault her. She only does what she has to do but I'm very happy with her."

STEWARDS REPORT

C.M. Quirke, rider of Shackleton Island trained by I.Madden, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
10/11Fav
Tote €1.91 €1.02
2nd
2.5L
9/4
€1.10
3rd
4.5L
9/1
€2.50
4th
9.5L
100/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.