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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Landfall creates a good first impression

Sun 21st Aug 2016, 15:40

Landfall wins under Niall McCullaghLandfall wins under Niall McCullagh
© Photo Healy Racing

Landfall impressed as he powered home from the front in the Curragh's juvenile maiden.

This seven furlong race, which featured 14 unraced two-year-olds, could prove to be above average in time.

Landfall soon led with Niall McCullagh in the plate and was given the office a furlong and a half down to go on and win his race.

He quickly opened up a lead of a few lengths approaching the final furlong and galloped on well to fend off a thrust from runner-up Exemplar

The winner was returned at 11/1 from 14/1 in the morning. Exemplar, one of three Aidan O'Brien-trained horses in the race, was the 11/4 favourite and finished well to get to within three parts of a length of Landfall.

Jim Bolger 's Tradfest also showed plenty of pace in taking third at 4/1 having raced on the outer. She showed her acceleration between the two pole and the final furlong as she tried to move into contention. She was beaten two-and-a-half lengths by the winner.

Successful handler Ken Condon said: "That's not unexpected. He sort of pulled himself together in the last three or four weeks.

“It's been very fast and we haven't been able to work him on the grass on the Curragh but in the last two or three weeks he's done two bits of work that showed us that he could be a very nice horse. I do like him.

“It was a bit of a surprise that he jumped out and made it but nothing was keen to go on.

“He's a big scopey horse and I think he has a very nice future. He'll probably have one more run. He's in the Beresford and well have a look at that.

“He's one to look forward to for next year. We'll maybe have to take a trip to France as he's qualified for the premiums.

“I'd say he'll be a middle distance horse next year. He has the blend of speed and stamina and like all the good ones can move up and down in trip.”

Frankel colt San Remo (4/1) didn't get competitive in coming home 10th.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
11/1
Tote €12.90 €3.60
2nd
0.75L
11/4Fav
€1.50
3rd
1.75L
4/1
€1.70
4th
1.25L
14/1
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.