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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Grange Walk wins Gowran feature for Ryan and Quinlan

Sun 12th Mar 2023, 09:10

Grange Walk and Liam Quinlan winning the Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Steepplechase Grade B Grange Walk and Liam Quinlan winning the Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Steepplechase Grade B
© Photo Healy Racing

Grange Walk showed real determination to battle back well on the run in to take the featured Grade B Holden Plant Rentals Shamrock Handicap Chase at Gowran Park.

The John Patrick Ryan trained gelding had been out of form in recent times, with jumping frailties blighting his career of late. However, despite the odd mistake creeping in, he jumped much better this afternoon and led the field on the run to the final fence. Minx Tiara who had suffered a less than clear passage in the latter stages, eventually saw daylight and led shortly after that obstacle but to his credit the eventual winner pulled out that bit extra to regain the lead close home.

“I thought he was the only horse in the field capable of winning a Grade 2 and the rest were handicappers. He's a bit more than a handicapper,” said Ryan.

“He's been a bit of an unlucky sort. Liam Quinlan gave him a tip top ride. He's a brave lad over a fence.

“He'll go to Aintree, the owner wants to go there. He'll go to a two-mile handicap, he's entitled to go there. He's a proper two mile chaser and the blinkers probably helped a bit.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.