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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Nara claims Grade 2 prize in style

Sun 19th Jan 2025, 13:50

Nara and Mark Walsh (nearest)Nara and Mark Walsh (nearest)
© Photo Healy Racing

Nara asserted in the closing stages to run out a cosy winner of the Grade 2 Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Thurles.

Henry de Bromhead’s charge went to post 6/5 favourite in the two-and-a-half mile contest following the withdrawal of early morning market leaders Only By Night and Spindleberry

Mark Walsh had the JP McManus-owned filly to the fore throughout and she had the lead on the final circuit. Broomfield Bijou came to challenge over the second last but was under pressure on the run down to the final fence.

Nara found another gear when asked for an effort on the run-in to post a two-and-a-quarter length success.

The winner was taking her record to two from four over fences, having finished second to Only By Night at this level at Cork last month.

Walsh said afterwards:- "She is still forward-going and keen and jumped a bit better today although made a few novicey mistakes. Hopefully we can iron those out of her but she was good.

"She is only five and it was only her fourth run over fences so she is still learning. 

"The non-runners made my job easier and it is lively ground out there."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)

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.