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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Retribution opens account in style

Thu 28th Feb 2019, 14:27

Retribution and Keith Donoghue are clear over the lastRetribution and Keith Donoghue are clear over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Retribution showed the benefit of his hurdle debut here a fortnight ago by readily landing the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Iffraaj gelding was a cheap purchase at the Horses In Training Sale in Newmarket last autumn, and made a promising start for current connections when fourth to stable-companion Rakhine State here over two miles.

The step up to 2m3f proved no problem as the 8/1 chance reeled in the front-running odds-on favourite Edelpour entering the straight before cruising clear under Keith Donoghue after the penultimate flight.

Gordon Elliott ’s charge came home a facile 15 lengths clear of Edelpour, with Summer Hill a further length and a quarter back in third.

Donoghue said, "I was afraid leaving the favourite go as he is a decent horse with a high rating but my lad did it well and improved a lot from the last day and jumped well today.

"I was fairly confident coming down the hill I would get there and I thought after the last day that he would stay well. He is definitely one to look forward to during the summer."

(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.