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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Carroll at double on Lia Fail

Wed 9th Aug 2023, 19:53

Lia Fail, left, one for favourite backersLia Fail, left, one for favourite backers
© Photo Healy Racing

Gary Carroll doubled up at Sligo when Lia Fail justified even-money favouritism in the Guinness Nursery Handicap for juveniles.

The jockey was eager to get her to the front and the Inns Of Court filly soon led in this sprint from Carter Hall and Charles Atlas

She cranked up the pressure on the pursuers swinging into the straight and moved clear inside the final furlong.

Carroll kept her up to her work as Uncle Albert stayed on in a clear second. The favourite beat the 7/1 runner-up by three-parts of a length. Vercidad (9/2) plodded on for third a further six lengths away.

"The races are there. A lot of fellas won't hit those nurseries, but I can see nothing wrong with them, they're there for horses who can't win a maiden or for those that win an ordinary maiden," said trainer Michael Mulvany.

"I think she wants a bit better ground. She's been busy so she's going to get a little break now. She'll have a fortnight off and you'll probably see her out again in a month's time.

"Gary's having a great season and hopefully we can give him a few more winners."

Carroll was also successful on Texas Sun for James McAuley in the opening race.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan

1st
1/1Fav
Tote €2.00 €1.10
2nd
0.75L
7/1
€2.20
3rd
6L
9/2
€1.40
4th
1.25L
22/1
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.