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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Diva Dawn beats her full brother in Galway

Tue 8th Sep 2015, 17:55

Diva Dawn, near side, draws ahead of her full brother DylrowDiva Dawn, near side, draws ahead of her full brother Dylrow
© Photo Healy Racing

Diva Dawn (4/1) had too much for her full brother, even-money-favourite Dylrow at the end of the extended two and a half mile maiden hurdle in Galway.

Paul Townend had the six-year-old mare on the heels of Enumerater and Dylrow coming to the second last.

Enumerater was quickly pulled up after that flight as Dylrow set sail for home with Diva Dawn in pursuit.

Townend drew Diva Dawn alongside Dylrow on the home turn and his mount landed with a slight advantage after jumping the last. The pair stayed on best to score by three and three quarter lengths.

Trainer Stephen Mahon said: "We got her palate done after her run at Roscommon (in June) and while she found the track too tight at Ballinrobe, then the ground opened up for her at Bellewstown the last day which didn't suit.

"I could see her being a nice chaser in time and to beat her full brother is usual and great for Michael (Rowland)."

A full-brother and sister fought out the finish in the race - both owned by their breeder Michael Rowland, in the Rollx Syndicate which includes his wife and daughter.

There was a lot of money during the day for Runyon Rattler 7/2 to 6/4, however, he was taken out due to the change in going.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

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.