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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Japonica powers home after traffic problems

Sat 4th Jun 2016, 17:10

Camellia Japonica & Gary Carroll (left) beat Flowerhill Nova (centre) & Bubblesontherise (right) Camellia Japonica & Gary Carroll (left) beat Flowerhill Nova (centre) & Bubblesontherise (right)
© Photo Healy Racing

The Joe Murphy-trained Camellia Japonica overcame traffic problems to lunge late in the TRM Excellence In Equine Nutrition Maiden at the Curragh.

Gary Carroll settled the well backed 2/1 favourite (5/1 this morning) in mid-division but found himself behind a wall of horses two furlongs from home.

The Zoffany filly had to check slightly when making ground over a furlong out but still had enough in the tank to power home inside the final furlong and collar Flowerhill Nova late on for a neck success.

“She's a very nice filly and we've always thought a lot of her. She has done everything bar win,” said Murphy.

“Gary gave her a great ride and she learned more today than she would in six months of training. I think she is a nice filly for the future and she'll improve a lot with age.

“She got into all sorts of trouble but she has a bit of class. The thing today was to get her settled and switched off and Gary did that.

“I think her full-brother (Bohemian Flame), who is trained by Andrew Balding, is going to Ascot.”

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.