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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Prince shows Steel to open account

Sat 17th Jun 2017, 21:35

Steel Prince (left) beating Druids CrossSteel Prince (left) beating Druids Cross
© Photo Healy Racing

Steel Prince confirmed the promise of three outings this year when justifying favouritism in the www.limerickraces.ie Rated Race.

The son of Nathaniel was well-backed on track from 11/4 into 2/1 but needed to show plenty of guts inside the final furlong to land the spoils.

The front-running World War was headed over a furlong out, and Druids Cross appeared likely to complete a four-timer on the day for Joseph O’Brien.

However Steel Prince dug deep to just get on top in the closing stages and score by half a length.

There was a gap of five and a half lengths back to Modern Approach in third.

Winning trainer Patrick Prendergast said, "That was more like it. I was very disappointed the last day but, in hindsight, I think it was trainer error as his race at Tipperary took more out of him than I thought it would.

"He had a good last two weeks though and freshened up well and I was happier coming here today. That's the way to ride him too, inside of being up doing the donkey work, he has a bit of 'lick' to him. He only just does enough.

"If he won easy, I was going to run in the Ulster Derby but he looks a horse who needs three or four weeks between runs."

(TW & 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.