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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Vellner shows benefit of experience to open account

Fri 20th May 2022, 17:27

Vellner (left) keeps on well for Billy LeeVellner (left) keeps on well for Billy Lee
© Photo Healy Racing

Vellner got off the mark at the third attempt in the William Hill Irish EBF Maiden over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.

The 11/4 second favourite made smooth headway to lead over two furlongs before Billy Lee got to work over a furlong out.

The Paddy Twomey-trained son of Galileo Gold kept on well inside the final furlong to score by a-length-and-a-quarter from World Famous who put in some good work at the business end. Waterville was touted as a Derby prospect before making his debut this spring but again failed to live up to expectations and the 10/11 favourite found no extra from over a furlong out finishing another four-and-three-quarter lengths away in third.

Twomey said, “He's been green and his behaviour was terrible the first day. He improved a little bit the second day and I thought coming here today it would take a good one to beat him.

“My friend Adrian Costello bought him as a foal and the day he bought him I loved him.

“I was in Listowel the day he was selling him in England as a yearling. I rang him and said 'how are you getting on'. He said 'so so', then I bought him and then Colin (Lynskey) came and bought him off me.

“He's a lovely horse and I'd say that's only the start. We'll see what happens now.”

(GC & AM)

1st
11/4
Tote €4.00 €1.30
2nd
1.25L
13/2
€1.70
3rd
4.75L
10/11Fav
€1.10
4th
0.5L
13/2
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.