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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Course specialist Catch Me wins again

Fri 10th Jun 2016, 19:23

You Can't Catch Me (Brian O'Connell) pings the final hurdleYou Can't Catch Me (Brian O'Connell) pings the final hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Brian O'Connell took the riding honours with a 46/1 treble at Listowel on Monday, and he was among the winners again when You Can't Catch Me landed the Orchard Thieves Handicap Hurdle in impressive fashion.

The Kieran Purcell-trained gelding recorded a narrow win over course and distance last month but O'Connell had things much easier here, with 7/2 favourite Cabarete exiting at the opening hurdle.

The 6/1 chance travelled well to lead at the penultimate flight, and settled the issue with a fine leap at the last.

The seven-year-old gelding, who has now gained three of his four career wins at this venue, cruised clear on the run-in to score by seven lengths. Hatch Hall took the runner-up spot, with Pleased As Punch another half a length away in third.

Purcell said, "He is after improving half a stone since the last day here. I thought the ground was a little softer today and that it might catch him out but he handled it lovely.

"Brian gave him a great ride, he kept him on the outer for the good ground. They did a great job on the watering but maybe for a horse that wants good ground it might be too much. I didn't even look to see what is coming up for him, we take it day by day with horses."

(DM & 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.