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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Martin credits his son for settling Drumbaragh

Mon 2nd May 2022, 18:13

Drumbaragh and Paddy O'Hanlon clear the lastDrumbaragh and Paddy O'Hanlon clear the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Drumbaragh served up a 28/1 surprise when running away with the Club Lemon Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

Paddy O'Hanlon 's mount raced close to the pace and was left in front at the fifth flight when the leader Boing fell.

The nine-year-old mare moved clear after three out and easily took the honours by 12 lengths. Junior Bee the 11/8 favourite, couldn't land a blow in second but was two and a half lengths clear of Buto (18/1).

Trainer Pat Martin said: "In one way it is a shock and in another way I'm not surprised because she does show ability at home. Her biggest problem is that she didn't know how to relax. My son Jack has done a great job in that end of it. He deserves the credit.

"We thought we would grab the bull by the horns and try and be handy today. They went harder and she settled. The one fell over the far side and she got a handy lead then but she jumped particularly well.

"He gave her a young man's ride. Paddy has ridden her a fair few times and would be good friends with the owners. Before she came to me, he would have ridden her a lot of times.

"I'd say better ground is a help to her but just getting her to relax was probably the secret to her.

"We'll see what we go, we'll give her a couple of weeks to get over this. The country tracks will suit her well where she can bowl along.

"Jim (Carolan, owner) owns a stud in Drumbaragh beside Kells. He has bred a couple of nice horses (Aussie Valentine and Double Talkin Jive)."

1st
28/1
Tote €41.20 €7.00
2nd
12L
11/8Fav
€1.10
3rd
2.5L
18/1
€4.10
4th
8.5L
11/1
€2.80
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.