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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Red Azalea gains a deserved maiden victory

Mon 18th Jul 2022, 18:47

Red Azalea and Gavin Ryan Red Azalea and Gavin Ryan
© Photo Healy Racing

Red Azalea opened her account at the ninth attempt when making most to land the SP Or Better Guaranteed With Tote Maiden at Ballinrobe.

The Galileo filly has come up against some useful sorts this year including the likes of Above The Curve and Emily Dickinson and was well-backed here into 8/13 favouritism.

Donnacha O’Brien’s charge was challenged by chief market rival Roman Bull a furlong out but got well on top in the closing stages to score by two-and-a-half-lengths under Gavin Ryan.

The pair had the race between them in the straight with Lady Tanzanite a further eight-and-a-half-lengths away in third.

Ryan said, "She has a lovely pedigree and she’s run into some very smart types, so I suppose you could say she’s been unlucky all the way along.

“She’s very versatile in terms of trip and ground. All her form has been very consistent over a range of trips.

“I thought from the bottom of the straight Billy (Lee, on Roman Bull) was coming to me well and that he was going to go by me, but in fairness to my filly she battled on well.

"I think she appreciates a bit of light as well, and when she got into the straight and got her head back up she seemed to gallop out a good winner.”

Quotes by Mark Nunan

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.