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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Bridge Street off the mark over hurdles

Sat 1st Jan 2022, 13:25

Bridge Street hits the front on the run-inBridge Street hits the front on the run-in
© Photo Healy Racing

Bridge Street got to grips with Beechmount Maisie to land the Keith Casey Memorial Handicap Hurdle over the minimum trip in Tramore.

Beechmount Maisie poached a healthy advantage after the third last as she set sail for home. However, Bridge Street was far from done with and began to reel her in after the next.

Edward O'Grady 's Fame And Glory mare closed right up on the leader at the last and touched down in the lead.

She was kept up to her work by Jody McGarvey to win by half a length to the joy of favourite backers (5/2). Beechmount Maisie put in a good shift in second at 6/1.

The pair had the race to themselves at the business end as Baile Mhuirne (40/1) came through for third from gambled-on Feathered Gold some 15 lengths further back.

O'Grady said: “I’m delighted, a homebred winner. She was one of three horses that JP (McManus) bought and now the three of them have won.

“She showed a good attitude on the run-in. I put a tongue tie on her today and it didn’t seem to do her any harm.

“I was very pleased the way she stayed on, I thought she was very brave and resolute. It looks like she could stay a bit further and hopefully she will improve with experience.”

The Stewards received a report from Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Starter, Mr. D. Cullen, that G.B. Noonan, rider of Beechmount Maisie failed to comply with his instructions which resulted in a false start. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted he had jumped off while the starters flag was still raised. Having viewed the recording of the start which included the recording of the starters audio, and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that G.B. Noonan was in breach of Rule 208 and having considered his record, they suspended him for two racedays.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

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.