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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Kinirons on the mark with Praying Mantis

Wed 5th May 2021, 20:47

Praying Mantis and Leigh Roche (left) win from Dark Kris (yellow cap) and Tyriana   Praying Mantis and Leigh Roche (left) win from Dark Kris (yellow cap) and Tyriana
© Photo Healy Racing

Third at Tipperary on her previous outing, Praying Mantis (6s into 9/2) won the Gowran Park Handicap (45-65) (DIV II) in the hands of Leigh Roche.

Tracking the leaders approaching the straight, the Epaulette filly hit the front over a furlong out and went a couple of lengths clear.

Things got pretty desperate in the final furlong but Roche kept his mount going to hang on by a head and a neck from Dark Kris (14/1) and Tyriana (20/1).

Placed once last year for John Feane, the winner was getting off the mark on her third start for Andrew Kinirons, who could be seen giving his charge plenty of enthusiastic support in the closing stages from the inside of the course.

Kinirons, based at Ladytown Stud near Newbridge, Co. Kildare, was unavailable for comment afterwards but will no doubt have been very pleased to get a winner for owner Ray McSharry, who has enjoyed success in the past with Miss O’Connor and back around the turn of the millennium with Pat Hughes’ grand dual-purpose performer Mantles Prince.

1st
9/2
Tote €6.20 €1.70
2nd
hd
14/1
€2.00
3rd
nk
20/1
€5.10
4th
1.75L
4/1Fav
€1.80
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.