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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Clara justifies support on handicap debut

Wed 1st May 2013, 20:30

Clara Bel La stays on well for Pat SmullenClara Bel La stays on well for Pat Smullen
© Photo Healy Racing

Clara Bel La previously placed in a bumper, maiden hurdle and on the Flat, landed a bit of a touch when encountering handicap company for the first time over a mile and a half at Tipperary.

This looked a wide open event beforehand with punters unable to split three market leaders at 9/2, and there was a line of runners stretched right across the track as they entered the straight.

However Pat Smullen, recording the middle leg of what was to prove a treble on the card, got a good tune out of the seven year-old mare.

The John Kiely-trained 9/1 chance, available at 14/1 in the morning and backed down from 11/1 on track, got well on top inside the final furlong and was driven out to beat Concrete And Clay (7/1) by three lengths. The Four Elms (5/1) held every chance but could find no extra to finish another three and three quarter lengths back in third.

Kiely said, “We always liked her. She’s always promised a lot but she can be anxious, and getting her relaxed is the key to help her get home.

"Pat gave her a grand ride and hopefully we’ll get another with her. She’s a half-sister to Get Me Out Of Here.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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.