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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Lake Malawi gets off mark in Downpatrick

Sun 12th Jun 2016, 17:28

Lake Malawi, left, beats Atlantic BreakerLake Malawi, left, beats Atlantic Breaker
© Photo Healy Racing

Gordon Elliott's Lake Malawi saw off Atlantic Breaker by half a length to take the opening maiden hurdle in Downpatrick.

The 2/1 favourite kept on well on the run-in to deprive the well backed runner-up (4/1 from 7/1 in the morning). Atlantic Breaker refused to give best and kept on well under Derek Fox. Little Stampy (8/1) completed the placings in third, a further seven lengths back.

Luke Dempsey did the steering on the winner who was improving on a runner-up finish in Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott said: "On his run the last day in Punchestown he was probably entitled to do it. He wasn't doing a whole lot when he got there. The owners love going to Perth so he'll go to Perth for a novice hurdle at the end of the month all being well.

"Luke gave him a good ride. He's a very good rider.

"I'd say Bryan (Cooper) will be back in two weeks [after getting pins removed]."

The owner, James Reilly, is from Navan.

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.