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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Eighty Eight makes it to number one

Sun 12th Jun 2022, 16:25

Eighty Eight won nicely under Danny Sheehy Eighty Eight won nicely under Danny Sheehy
© Photo Healy Racing

The Johnny Murtagh trained Eighty Eight made it fourth time lucky at the County Kilkenny track when winning the Ladies Day July 23rd Apprentice Handicap at Gowran Park.

Runner-up on his first two starts at this venue, he disappointed last time but showed that run to be all wrong here.

Jockey Danny Sheehy was content to hold the gelding up at the rear of the field before making a move after the turn for home.

Sheehy saved ground up the rail and his mount caught the eye travelling easily as the race unfolded. Having quickened up to get to the lead, he held the late challenge of Urban Oasis to win with something in hand.

Danny Sheehy, “The step up in trip suited. He’s a big, fresh horse and I think it has taken a while for the penny to drop with him.

“I gave him a chance and they went a good honest gallop. I got plenty of cover and he came home well when he got plenty of daylight.

“It was lucky the way it opened up for me. He travelled like a dream the whole way around and when the gap came I had to take it.

“He would be better with a bit of juice in the ground.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
5/1
Tote €6.49 €1.32
2nd
2.5L
7/2
€1.32
3rd
1.5L
12/1
€3.85
4th
hd
9/4Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.