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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Edwulf opens account on hurdle debut

Sat 16th Jan 2016, 15:24

Edwulf (Barry Geraghty) leads Haymount over the last in the maiden hurdleEdwulf (Barry Geraghty) leads Haymount over the last in the maiden hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Edwulf gained compensation for an unlucky reverse at Navan last month when successfully switching to hurdles in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Naas.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old was set to score over fences last time when falling at the last, and Aidan O’Brien’s charge made most of the running here under Barry Geraghty.

The 13/8 chance was a bit weaker on track than chief market rival Haymount who was sent off the 5/4 favourite, and the pair fought out the finish in this 2m3f event.

Edwulf was far from fluent throughout, especially at the final two flights, but kept on well on the run-in to beat the favourite by a length and a half. Thumb Stone Blues was a further three lengths back in third.

Joseph O'Brien said, “He's a nice big horse and chasing is going to be his game. It's nice to win a maiden hurdle with him. At the last couple of hurdles he was a bit awkward but Barry said he was always happy.

“He'll probably go chasing again next year. He looks like he'll be a nice horse in time.”

(GC & 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.