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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Duke gives rivals the blues in nursery

Sat 25th Oct 2014, 17:30

Duke Ellington (Gary Carroll) winning the mile nurseryDuke Ellington (Gary Carroll) winning the mile nursery
© Photo Healy Racing

Duke Ellington caused something of a surprise when making his first start in handicap company a winning one in the mile nursery at Leopardstown.

The son of Rock Of Gibraltar was outpaced in the early stages and had about half of the 20-runner field ahead of him turning in.

However the Willie McCreery-trained colt really got going in the straight, and dug deep for Gary Carroll to head top-weight Havanna Belle in the final 100 yards.

The 16/1 chance finished to such effect that he had a length and a quarter to spare at the line, with Swordfight and Magic Of Christmas taking third and fourth respectively.

McCreery said, “He’s a grand little horse, and I’m delighted for his owner Garrett Freyne. I didn’t think he’d be a horse for the all-weather.

“He relished the fast pace. He was off the bridle down the back straight but once he passed horses he got confidence.

“If he settles and gives himself a chance he could be a nice mile and a quarter horse next year.”

Sean Corby was unseated from Boris Bike (ran loose for a while) going to the start. The combination ran on well to finish fifth but the talented apprentice is reportedly going for precautionary xrays on his arm.

1st
16/1
Tote €27.30 €7.90
2nd
1.25L
8/1
€1.80
3rd
hd
8/1
€4.00
4th
hd
11/2Fav
€2.30
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.