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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Enchanted Garden defies market drift to score on handicap debut

Wed 20th Dec 2023, 17:32

Enchanted Garden (nearside) beating The Bear Trap Enchanted Garden (nearside) beating The Bear Trap
© Photo Healy Racing

Enchanted Garden just came out on top in a thrilling finish to the Gateway Hotel Dundalk Race & Stay Nursery.

The Tony Mullins-trained filly had shown some promise in three maiden outings but was friendless here on her handicap debut drifting out from 7/1 to 18/1.

She made headway in the straight to challenge the always prominent The Bear Trap inside the final furlong and just got up on the nod by a nose under Rory Cleary. Blue Soul also finished well just half-a-length back in third.

Cleary said, "It was a step forward. She had the three runs and improved with every run. That is her second time up here.

“I think she should improve again. She's a big filly - whatever she is doing now, she will be a lovely three-year-old.

"Tony liked her and has always liked her. He thought a lot of her. I rode her work last week for him and she felt great, so we were hoping for a big run today and she did it for us.

"She finished out her race good and strong, so hopefully she can improve again off that."

Quotes by Michael Graham

1st
18/1
Tote €22.10 €5.40
2nd
nose
8/1
€3.10
3rd
0.5L
12/1
€3.20
4th
1.25L
13/2
bf
2L
1/1Fav
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.