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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Bellaphina provides Kinsella with Premier Handicap victory

Fri 26th May 2023, 18:45

Bellaphina (Conor Maxwell) beating ClounmaconBellaphina (Conor Maxwell) beating Clounmacon
© Photo Healy Racing

Bellaphina who provided John Kinsella with his first Flat winner in a Limerick maiden last month, supplied the Rathdrum trainer with his biggest success todate when following up in the €50,000 DNG Spring Fillies Premier Handicap at the Curragh.

The 13/2 chance was again ridden by Conor Maxwell and quickened up nicely at the furlong pole before holding off well-backed 11/4 favourite Clounmacon by a head. Snowcapped who was bidding for a hat-trick this year, was just half-a-length further back in third.

Kinsella said, “She was good the last day on ground she wouldn’t like. She was coming back after a lay-off as she had sore shins last summer as a two-year-old.

“We knew she would come on loads from the last day and were confident that she would put up a good performance.

“She quickened up well and Conor said he was there a little bit too soon but she’s good and tough.

“She has plenty of gears and I’m delighted for a small place like ours to get a winner here on Guineas weekend.

“We have 15 in training and she’s the best older horse. There is a couple of nice two-year-olds.”

1st
13/2
Tote €7.70 €2.20
2nd
hd
11/4Fav
€1.30
3rd
0.5L
3/1
€1.40
4th
nk
8/1
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.