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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Knockraha opens chase account in style

Thu 9th Mar 2017, 14:25

Knockraha PylonKnockraha Pylon
© Photo Healy Racing

Knockraha Pylon justified her position at the head of the market for the opening mares beginners chase at Thurles when running out a cosy winner under Paul Townend.

The Adrian Maguire-trained mare was making her return to the larger obstacles having been campaigned over timber so far this season.

Sent off a 15/8 shot she tracked the leaders before being produced to lead at the second last.

The daughter of King's Theatre was in control going to the final fence and stayed on strongly on the run-in for a six-and-a-half length victory over Blazing West

Knockraha Pylon had run twice over fences last season, including when finishing second in a similar contest to today's on her chase debut at Kilbeggan.

"I'm told by Pat Healy that I retired (from riding) on this day in 2002 and I'd a winner, thank god,” said Maguire.

"She put in a great round of jumping and Paul gave her a super ride. She popped away and things worked out.

"There is a Listed chase here in a couple of weeks time. We'll have a look at that and see how she is.

"The lads have a big night (Cheltenham preview) tomorrow night in Knockraha in aid of Stella McGrath."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.