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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

King confirms O'Callaghan's faith at Dundalk

Fri 11th Oct 2019, 17:50

Now The King wins under Leigh RocheNow The King wins under Leigh Roche
© Photo Healy Racing

Now The King opened his account at the third attempt when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Median Auction Maiden in fine style at Dundalk.

The son of Baltic King was never too far from the pace, leading well over a furlong out and the well-backed 15/8 favourite stayed on strongly under Leigh Roche to score by two and a half lengths.

Thames River made a pleasing debut keeping on nicely in the closing stages to take second, with Estepona Sun a further half a length back in third.

Winning trainer Michael O’Callaghan said, “He’s a lovely horse and we’ve thought a lot of him all along.

“The ground was his undoing at the Curragh last time. He’s a big raw horse and was unsuited by a stiff mile on heavy ground. He won’t be a horse until next year and at home I’ve thought he’s a Stakes horse.

“He looks a nice horse and we could aim him at the Guineas Trial here in the spring and make a plan after that.

“It’s a long way to a Guineas but he’s the only one I have entered and that’s because I thought so much of him at home

“He’s been able to get into a rhythm there on the nice ground and able to extend all the way to the line. You couldn’t ask for much more and will improve again into next year.”

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.