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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Mercurial justifies good support in the finale

Sat 20th Apr 2024, 17:39

Mercurial and Robert WheartyMercurial and Robert Whearty
© Photo Healy Racing

Mercurial bridged a gap of nearly three years without a win when landing some nice bets in the concluding Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap at the Curragh.

The Prince Of Lir gelding won as a juvenile for Tom Dascombe at Chester but has slid down the ratings in the interim and was placed a number of times last season including over this course and distance.

The John Nallen-trained five-year-old was available at 25/1 earlier in the day and further supported on track from 14/1 into 9/1.

Robert Whearty ’s mount was prominent throughout in this six-furlong event and having come under pressure two furlongs out, really asserted inside the final 100 yards to score by three lengths.

Whearty said, "He did it nicely. He winged the gates, I thought we went along but I was happy enough. The instructions were to roll forward and have him very handy.

“He stays that bit further too and I didn't think ground would be an issue. He's probably a horse that will go seven furlongs as well.

“He had a good run here last year when finishing second. Hopefully he's a horse that can progress through the season.”

Quotes by Gary Carson

1st
9/1
Tote €12.10 €2.60
2nd
3L
20/1
€5.90
3rd
nk
7/1
€2.20
4th
nk
25/1
€7.20
bf
2L
15/8Fav
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.