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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Vespasian a local winner for Queally

Sun 17th Aug 2014, 15:29

Oscar Vespasian (Johnny Burke) leads Alileo over the lastOscar Vespasian (Johnny Burke) leads Alileo over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Oscar Vespasian fifth in a handicap over course and distance on Friday, opened his account when delivered with a well-timed challenge by Johnny Burke in the Frank Gillane Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

Paul Townend made it a good test sending the 5/6 favourite Alileo straight into a clear lead.

However a number of sloppy jumps didn’t help his cause and, following an awkward leap two out, Oscar Vespasian struck the front approaching the final flight.

The 9/2 chance kept on well on the run-in to score by two lengths as the pair drew all of 22 lengths clear of B L Swagger in third.

Winning trainer John Queally said, “He finally got his head in front and I've no big plans for him. It's nice to have a winner at the local track. He will go for a handicap somewhere now.

“He needs the ground quick and it took us a while to find that out. Jonathan is good value for his five pound claim.”

(AM & DM)

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.