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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Purple Dawn puts it all together

Fri 22nd Oct 2021, 20:20

Purple Dawn quickens awayPurple Dawn quickens away
© Photo Healy Racing

Purple Dawn got off the mark at the fourth time of asking in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden over a mile at Dundalk.

Michael O'Callaghan 's colt had shown ability in his three previous starts particularly when runner-up on racecourse debut at Gowran Park in September. He had also taken the runner-up berth in a barrier trial on the Polytrack here in August.

Leigh Roche produced him between horses at the furlong marker and the pair improved to lead with 150 yards to race.

He quickened away to win by a length and a half at 4/1 from 3/1 shot Alaroos Swing Point the 11/4 favourite, gave best inside the final furlong and dropped to third.

Roche said: “He was very green the first day in Gowran and the second day the ground was too soft. We were a bit easy on him before Leopardstown and he blew up that day.

“He’s a big baby and is so laidback. He doesn’t do a stroke at home so you are trying to teach him the whole time. It’s taken him those runs for the penny to drop.

“He has the size and scope to progress next year and this year really is a bonus with him. He’s a well-bred horse and has the looks as well.”

Purple Dawn holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
4/1
Tote €5.80 €2.10
2nd
1.5L
3/1
€1.70
3rd
0.5L
11/4Fav
€1.60
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.