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

Alan Magee

Cooper doubles up on Gift

Thu 14th May 2015, 19:54

Mark Bolger is unseated from Finea two out as eventual winner Final Gift (yellow/blue) challengesMark Bolger is unseated from Finea two out as eventual winner Final Gift (yellow/blue) challenges
© Photo Healy Racing

Bryan Cooper completed a quick double at Tipperary as Final Gift proved too strong in the Kilfeacle Stud Handicap Chase.

The John Costello-trained gelding had previously won five times between the flags, plus a hunter chase at Tramore, but was on something of a retrieval mission here having disappointed when a well-backed 3/1 favourite at Leopardstown back in February. Stonehall Jack made most of the running and was only headed by the 5/1 winner approaching the last.

Cooper's mount edged left across Winter Magic before the final fence and had a length and a quarter to spare over the 7/2 favouite at the line, with Stonehall Jack just half a length further away in third.

The stewards decided to have a look at that incident but the placings remained unaltered.

Cooper was completing a double having partnered 11/10 favourite Horendous Hulabaloo to take the beginners chase just half-an-hour earlier.

Costello said, "His early point to point form was good but he ran no race at Leopardstown when he was a little flat. Nothing came to light but he just never travelled and maybe having had three quick runs left him flat.

"This is his level and he might run again as long as we get some rain, the odd shower would do me."

(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.