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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Nile answers questions in maiden hurdle

Thu 2nd Feb 2017, 14:26

Ask Nile is driven out by Brian HayesAsk Nile is driven out by Brian Hayes
© Photo Healy Racing

Ask Nile opened his account under rules when taking the Surehaul Race Day Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Seamus Neville-trained gelding drifted from odds-on morning price quotes to go off the 9/4 market leader.

Brian Hayes had the Dromahane point-to-point winner up with the pace throughout, and asserted soon after the penultimate flight.

Hayes had to get serious as his mount faltered on the run but he kept going to beat Moroval by two and a half lengths. Veneziano Springs was a further half-length back in third.

Neville said, “I thought the ground would have caught him out a bit but he travelled well. On his previous runs I felt he would be there or thereabouts.

“He’ll probably go for a winners-of-one and stay hurdling this season. Chasing ultimately is what we will be aiming at.”

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.