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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Grann's Boy too strong for favourite in Kilbeggan maiden hurdle

Fri 26th Jul 2024, 17:09

Grann's Boy and Darragh O Keeffe Grann's Boy and Darragh O Keeffe
© Photo Healy Racing

Grann's Boy made his previous experience over flights count when proving just too strong for odds-on favourite Tonaghneave Well in the opening Tote Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Third on his most recent run over jumps at Tramore in April, the Harry Rogers trained gelding had occupied a similar position when reverting to the flat last time at Navan.

Sent off 13/2 here, Darragh O'Keeffe produced his mount from off the pace to go third after two out.

Going second in pursuit of the favourite Tonaghneave Well entering the home straight, the four-year-old led over the last before keeping on strongly for a half-length success.

Harry Rogers said: “He wants slow ground and just got away with that I'd say.

“He's not a bad sort of a horse. He was third in Tramore and was entitled to be there.

“He's an honest horse, he's a fine big horse and will jump a fence in time and he might win a race on the flat again for us.

“They are good owners, they are with me a long time and they've been lucky for me.

“If the ground changed in Galway he might end up there. I have him in two of three Flat races and wouldn't mind running him over two miles if I got soft ground.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
13/2
Tote €7.50 €2.00
2nd
0.5L
4/5Fav
€1.10
3rd
13L
80/1
€17.60
4th
5L
14/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.