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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Our Friend makes a more than pleasing debut

Sun 27th Oct 2019, 13:14

Our Friend clears the last in WexfordOur Friend clears the last in Wexford
© Photo Healy Racing

Second reserve Our Friend made the most of his opportunity when landing Wexford's two and a half mile maiden hurdle on debut.

Paul Nolan 's Shantou gelding travelled smoothly into contention approaching the home bend and took a narrow lead from My Uncas into the second last.

The latter soon came under pressure and Our Friend stayed on well on the run-in to draw three and three quarter lengths clear at 14/1.

Runner-up My Uncas went off at 7/2 from 5/1. He was nine lengths ahead of well backed 13/8 favourite Jazzaway

Kevin Sexton came in for the winning ride as original jockey Bryan Cooper isn't in action today after a fall in Galway yesterday.

Paul Nolan said: “He's a lovely horse and we always thought a bit of him.

“I thought he might run respectable and we might go back for a bumper but I told Kevin if it's happening it's happening.

“He's a nice horse, I loved his attitude, loved the way he jumped - for a horse first time out the way be behaved himself.

“You are straight into winners' company now so it's not easy. Kevin said he didn't think there will be any problem stepping him up in trip because he just did everything so relaxed, and he travelled well for him.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.