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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Blackmore completes rare double on Ancient Sands

Fri 28th Sep 2018, 21:01

Rachael Blackmore is all smiles after completing a mixed double at two meetingsRachael Blackmore is all smiles after completing a mixed double at two meetings
© Photo Healy Racing

Rachael Blackmore completed the rare feat of riding a jumps and Flat winner at two different meetings in a day as Ancient Sands took the Dundalk Stadium — Light Up Your Night Handicap.

Blackmore edged one ahead (36-35) of Paul Townend in the jump jockeys’ championship when successful aboard Sir Benford Wales at Dowpatrick this afternoon, and then made the short trip down the road to partner the 9/1 chance under lights.

The John Kiely-trained gelding travelled really well to lead over a furlong out but needed a strong drive to hold off Bit Of Banter by half a length. Landsman kept on to finish a further two and a half lengths away in third.

The dual purpose ten-year-old was recording his 13th career win and his fifth here on the Polytrack surface at Dundalk.

Blackmore said , “He’s a phenomenal horse and John does a fantastic job with him. The one thing he did tell me was don’t hit the front too soon and I still didn’t really manage to do that but he was very good.

“That’s his fifth win in Dundalk and he’s a credit to his connections and it’s great to get on him.

“I’ve only had a handful of rides here. It rides quick but that’s what this horse wants.”

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.