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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Pace And Passion both vital in tight finish

Sat 4th Jul 2015, 18:25

Pace And Passion (red cap) challenges under Ryan TreacyPace And Passion (red cap) challenges under Ryan Treacy
© Photo Healy Racing

The Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle provided a thrilling spectacle with a number of the 16-runner field holding a chance before Pace And Passion prevailed in a blanket finish.

The eight-year-old mare has shaped well since switched to handicaps after a winter break, and was produced with a well-timed challenge here by Ryan Treacy, who was recording his 21st career success, to score at odds of 7/1.

The well-backed 5/2 favourite Gold Class appeared to have come with a winning run when landing in front over the last but it was all change on the run-in as challengers came from all angles.

The Thomas Farrell-trained Pace And Passion led in the closing stages to get off the mark at the fourteenth attempt, with Personal Shopper flashing home on the stands' side to be denied by only a short-head. Zanouska held every chance another half-length away in third, with Gold Class dropping back to fourth and Cloudy Morning another to finish well close-up in fifth.

Treacy, who is based with John Ryan in Tipperary, said, "The second last we weren't that fluent at it but she dug deep and she got there. I rode her a few times before, and the break has done her good. The ground is plenty quick enough."

(GC & AM)

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.