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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Orangey Red vibrant in Connacht

Sun 1st May 2016, 16:38

Orangey Red strides away in Sligo Orangey Red strides away in Sligo
© Photo Healy Racing

Dermot Weld's Orangey Red was much too strong for Pinwood in the seven furlong rated race at Sligo.

Just the three horses went to post as Sufoof was ruled out due to being in season.

Outsider Buzz Boy soon led with Pinwood and Orangey Red tracking him in a close second and third respectively.

Buzz Boy increased his advantage to three lengths at the halfway stage but Pinwood closed up on him inside the three pole and assumed the lead nearing the quarter mile mark.

Orangey Red improved into second at this point and stalked the driven-along Pinwood on the run to the home straight.

Pinwood was ridden by Billy Lee as the pair raced towards the final furlong but Orangey Red and Leigh Roche loomed large on the outside. Orangey Red picked off his rival inside the last furlong and readily quickened away to deliver by six and a half lengths at 6/5 from the 8/11 favourite.

Leigh Roche said: "I was supposed to make the running but Billy’s horse was a bit keen and I let him off. I was happy enough sitting behind. I waited and had one run at him, and she quickened up well. Hopefully the handicapper won’t be too hard on her.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.