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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Saylavee beats Zanahiyr in Tramore opener

Fri 16th Aug 2024, 18:00

Saylavee and Paul TownendSaylavee and Paul Townend
© Photo Healy Racing

The Clem Jacob Hire Chase looked a match on paper and so it proved, with Saylavee getting the better of Zanahiyr by a length-and-a-quarter.

Second in Grade 3 company at Galway on her most recent start, the Willie Mullins-trained victor was sent off a 15/8 chance.

Not fluent at the first, the Shantou bay warmed to her task behind the leaders and improved into second after three out.

Getting a nice run through on the inner before the next, she soon got to the front and kept on well under pressure from there.

Blundering two out, the Jack Kennedy-ridden market leader lost valuable ground and couldn't make up the deficit once headed.

The front pair were eight-and-a-half lengths clear of Churchstonewarrior in third.

"She had a right look at the first for some reason. Maybe she just wasn't warmed up enough and I jumped off to settle her, but after that she was fine," Townend commented.

"I was able to delay my challenge today whereas at Galway I felt I was in a battle with Ashdale Bob sooner than I wanted.

"I didn't want to help Zanahiyr in front as he was having a good look around so I was just able to delay and banked on a good jump at the second last and it got me through and away.

"Her run in Galway was very good and obviously so was his, but she is a dinger around these little tight tracks.

"She loves chasing and while it was uncharacteristic of her at the first, she was good at the last two when I needed her."

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.