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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Blackmore warms up for National with Queen win

Thu 12th Apr 2018, 17:38

Kilganer Queen (near side) touches down just in front of Erkindale Lady at the lastKilganer Queen (near side) touches down just in front of Erkindale Lady at the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Rachael Blackmore warmed up for her big race ride on Alpha Des Obeaux in the Randox Health Grand National this Saturday in the best possible fashion when successful aboard Kilganer Queen in the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Facebook Mares Handicap Chase.

Blackmore, who also teams up with trainer Mouse Morris in the Topham Chase at Aintree tomorrow on Rogue Angel, produced the eight-year-old mare to challenge approaching the straight.

There were three horses in the air together at the second last but the Denise O’Shea-trained Kilganer Queen got on top on the run-in.

The 4/1 chance kept on well to beat Erkindale Lady by a length and a half, while Field Exhibition was another four lengths adrift in third. Bold Sky held every chance at the penultimate fence but the 6/4 favourite folded tamely to finish fifth.

O'Shea said, "That was a little bit unexpected as I thought she might need the run and was a small bit concerned over the ground as it was gluey.

"She is a fantastic mare and is a pleasure to have. We have already got black-type with her and whatever she did over hurdles was going to be a bonus.

"Michael (Mee, owner) has four horses with me and is a great man to me. Rachael is also fantastic and has been a huge asset to me. She might go to Punchestown next."

(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.