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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

O'Brien gets a tune out of Bay Hill

Sat 22nd Apr 2017, 17:28

Grey horse Bay Hill just wins from Carta Blanca in the hood Grey horse Bay Hill just wins from Carta Blanca in the hood
© Photo Healy Racing

Christy Roche's Bay Hill (11/2) did it from the front in Limerick and kept finding a little bit more to prevail by a short head in Division One of the extended mile and three handicap.

Jockey Ana O'Brien bounced him away smartly from stall one and soon took the 16 runners along.

He was off the bridle making the home turn as Mystery Gal got on terms. However, Bay Hill refused to give up the initiative and saw off Mystery Gal deep inside the final furlong.

The race wasn't yet won though as Carta Blanca finished very well on the inner to close to within a short head at 16/1.

Myster Gal (8/1) was a length adrift in third, a half length in front of 4/1 favourite Nulife who got a run as first reserve when stablemate Meadow Cross was ruled out due to a stone bruise. Nulife was well backed from an opening show of 7/1.

Ana O'Brien said: "He was very tough, he put the neck down and kept at it well. It was a great run back (when fourth to Elm Grove in Cork). He had one run over hurdles before but was off for a long time before that. He's in brilliant form. He tries for you and keeps pulling out a little bit.

"That's six for the season now. It has been great so far. I didn't think I would ever get down to the 3lb claim but it has been brilliant."

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.