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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Tory Reel scores at 16/1 for McCarthy & Noonan

Thu 20th Jul 2023, 19:11

Tory Reel (near side) challenges Away To Milan at the lastTory Reel (near side) challenges Away To Milan at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

The Hunting Lodge Syndicate were out in force to greet Tory Reel after the 16/1 chance got up in the closing stages to land the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.

The Highland Reel gelding won a juvenile maiden hurdle for Andrew McNamara last summer and was reverting to hurdles after a couple of runs on the Flat for Eoin McCarthy this year.

Gary Noonan ’s mount dug deep on the run-in to overhaul the front-running Away To Milan in the closing stages for a three-quarter length victory with Penny Jar a length and a half back in third.

McCarthy said, “They went plenty quick up front and I told Gary to take his time as there were three confirmed front-runners.

“It was his first run in a handicap (hurdle) and he jumped a little sketchy at times. I wanted him to be given a chance to find his feet and he showed how tough and gutsy he is in the last half-furlong.

“He’s only four and will be a lovely horse in time. Maybe we’ll look at Galway but Listowel would be the main thing on my mind.

“A lot of the Syndicate are from Limerick and there is a good crowd of them here this evening. They are real racing enthusiasts and love going racing.”

McCarthy is still limping after a riding accident as he explained: “I got a kick riding out that put the shin bone out through the skin and it wouldn’t heel for a good while. Thankfully I got riding out again about two weeks ago.”

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.