18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Midweek Voices in full cry on a Sunday

Midweek Voices sails over the lastMidweek Voices sails over the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Top-weight Midweek Voices enjoyed a clear-cut victory in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Punchestown.

He tracked Papa Barns but was content to sit off the fierce gallop set by the leader.

He and Mahlers Cove went on after four out and the race boiled down to a match entering the straight.

Both protagonists raced track-width apart with Midweek Voices on the far side as Mahlers Cove opted to come stands' side.

Midweek Voices readily asserted before the last, though, as Mahlers Cove toiled in vain to stay with him.

The leader popped the last for Cian Quirke and ran on by 10 lengths at 9/2. Runner-up Mahlers Cove was a 7/1 chance.

Eoin Doyle said: “He’s a grand old horse, but he was just a bit frustrating - he always showed me a bit at home.

“He just didn’t seem to be finding much off the bridle. I’d say maybe the step back in trip (extended 2m3f) helped him today.

“He probably had the form to win it, on his best hurdles form. His jumping was a little bit sketchy, but he jumped well today bar one.

“It’s great to get a win out of him today. We said we’d let him take his chance after Tramore - in a seven-runner handicap chase at this time of year you have to take your chance.

“He did it well and we’ll probably look at another handicap off a lighter weight.

“He’s in again at Clonmel (on Wednesday). He didn’t get much of a race there, but that ground might take a bit out of him.

“He got the job done today and it’s grand to get a winner to start 2025.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.