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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

JP & Walsh double up with A Hardy Nailer

Sat 9th Dec 2017, 13:27

A Hardy Nailer (right) jumps the last with Martello Park and Sassy DivaA Hardy Nailer (right) jumps the last with Martello Park and Sassy Diva
© Photo Healy Racing

A Hardy Nailer completed a quick double at Navan for owner JP McManus and rider Mark Walsh when gaining a hard-earned victory in the Dunmoe Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The daughter of Flemensfirth has been lightly-raced since winning a point-to-point and a bumper nearly four years ago, and she was an easy-to-back 7/1 chance despite going close at Fairyhouse last month.

The Robert Tyner-trained mare travelled well to challenge after two out but had to battle hard to get the better of 11/4 joint favourite Martello Park on the run-in.

The pair set down for a protracted tussle after the last with Walsh’s mount just finding a bit extra in the closing stages to score by a neck. Sassy Diva looked a big threat when looming up on the outer at the penultimate flight but weakened on the run-in to finish seven lengths back in third.

Walsh had things alot easier in the opening Kells Maiden Hurdle where the Joseph O'Brien-trained Speak Easy won in fine style.

Tyner said, “She deserved that. I probably gave him the wrong instructions the last day. On a different course today we said we'd hold on to her a bit more. She battled well and age and experience stood to her. She had a nice run the last day and seemed in good form since.

“We'll see what the handicapper does and we might run her in another hurdle. She got a fall and lost her way a bit over fences so we said we'd put her back over hurdles to get her confidence. She'll go back chasing in the long-term as she has the size and scope but she just wasn't attacking her fences.”

(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.