18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Tag Man survives scare at the last to land the odds

Fri 22nd Sep 2023, 14:15

Tag Man (Rachael Blackmore) pecks on landing at the lastTag Man (Rachael Blackmore) pecks on landing at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Tag Man readily landed the odds in the opening John J Galvin Maiden Hurdle at Listowel but not before giving supporters a fright at the final flight.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding won a bumper at the Punchestown Festival last year and had been placed a number of times since over hurdles including at Killarney last month.

The 4/6 shot travelled well to assert approaching two out and was well clear when making a mistake at the last and pecking badly.

Rachael Blackmore kept the partnership intact and ultimately came home an easy 14 lengths winner from River Tara with Secrecies Of Stone a short-head back in third.

Blackmore said, "He has been knocking on the door so it is great to get that today. After he won his bumper, we thought it wouldn't be long before he won over hurdles but has taken his time.

"He settled and jumped better on the whole and I was glad we got to the back of the last!

"He had good form coming into the race and you'd expect him to do that.

"The ground (officially yielding to soft) is a bit dead."

Quotes by Tom Weekes

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.