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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Western Sea opens account in exciting finish

Thu 29th Nov 2018, 15:55

Western Sea (right) just leads Whatsinthecorner over the final flightWestern Sea (right) just leads Whatsinthecorner over the final flight
© Photo Healy Racing

Western Sea put some moderate previous form behind him to make a successful handicap debut in the two-mile Templemore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Mark Enright replaced Andrew Lynch on the 6/1 chance who was reappearing after a seven months absence and allotted a mark of 86 on his seventh start.

The Ross O’Sullivan-trained gelding and Whatsinthecorner fought out a tremendous battle in the straight, with the former just gaining the upper hand by a head.

The pair came home eight and a half lengths clear of top-weight Serious Ego in third.

The evens favourite Commandant who was bidding to give Rachael Blackmore a treble on the day, was brought down three out.

O'Sullivan said, "He had a low competitive mark off 86 and was well backed and we were hopeful of a good run and I thought Joseph's horse (Commandant) would take a lot of beating after last week. I thought we'd be an each-way price and the lads had a few quid on him each-way.

"He raced very fresh and I thought passing the stands we had no chance as he was too fresh but he kept going. He'll be ok for the winter ground but wouldn't be a glutton for heavy ground and we'll aim at another handicap next.

"It was unfortunate for Andrew Lynch who did all the schooling on him but got a fall schooling after racing yesterday. He had to go for an x-ray but he's ok. It was hard luck on him.

"It's great to get these horses from Tommy Ward, from Mountmellick, who is a good supporter and a good man to have in the game."

(TW & AM)

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.