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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

The Greek edges out Belgoprince in a thriller

Sun 26th Dec 2021, 14:18

The Greek (right) and Belgoprince jumping the lastThe Greek (right) and Belgoprince jumping the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Gordon Elliott continued what has already been a good day, with winners at all three Irish meetings, as The Greek just came out on top following a superb finish to the Tri Equestrian Novice Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The 14/1 chance has been a frustrating sort in the past but after travelling sweetly to challenge at the last, needed to dig deep to just get the better of Belgoprince by a nose. The pair came close on the run-in but the result was confirmed after a stewards enquiry. Ferdia was six-and-a-half lengths back in third with The Gradual Slope completing the places in fourth.

This completed a quick double on the afternoon for jockey Davy Russell, having also won aboard the Elliott-trained Fil Dor in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle.

Elliott said, “Davy gave him a great ride. He was headed and he came back. I was worried about the ground today and he’s been unlucky a few times.”

Russell said, “I got a great jump at the last and Peter (Carberry) missed it.

“He battled tenaciously up the straight. I felt going to the last that I had everything covered but we had to battle hard all the way.”

1st
14/1
Tote €18.80 €3.30
2nd
nose
25/1
€8.50
3rd
6.5L
40/1
€11.60
4th
0.75L
66/1
€24.70
bf
2L
9/2Fav
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.