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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Western confirms Promise off nice mark

Thu 20th Nov 2014, 15:35

Western Promise and Kevin Sexton clear the lastWestern Promise and Kevin Sexton clear the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Western Promise took advantage of a nice mark over hurdles to land the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

A second winner this week for Ballinasloe-based Shane Ryder, also successful with Halls Bridge at Wexford on Tuesday, the well-backed 2/1 favourite took control early in the straight.

Kevin Sexton kept the eight-year-old, a half-brother to Cheltenham Festival winner Hunt Ball, up to his work on the run-in to maintain a two-length verdict over Pocketfullapennies Sharekan was a further four and a half lengths away in third, with Ancient Highway completing the placings in fourth.

Western Promise, successful twice over fences in 2012, showed promise after a long lay-off at Clonmel last month.

Ryder said, "He is nice and progressive and seems to have turned a corner since I put blinkers on him.

"He had 10 or 15 runs before I got him and looked moderate but he wants a trip and it took me a while to figure him out.

"He'll go for something similar next, maybe before Christmas and depending on how he comes out of this."

Ryder added "I've had my restricted license a few years but am not based in the best location, a place called Lawrencetown, near Ballinasloe. I could do with a few more horses."

(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.