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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Hallmark one for the favourite backers

Tue 2nd Aug 2016, 18:56

Hallmark, right, begins to mount his challenge in RoscommonHallmark, right, begins to mount his challenge in Roscommon
© Photo Healy Racing

Joseph O'Brien's Hallmark put in a good jump at the last which was the key to his victory in the two mile maiden hurdle for four-year-olds in Roscommon.

The 11/10 favourite looked to have a battle on his hands to overcome front-running Pateen but he got on terms at the final flight and landed in the lead full of running. He then strode away on the run-in to take the spoils by three and a quarter lengths.

Pateen (4/1) could give no more after the last but got a runner-up reward. He was a further three and a quarter lengths in front of Aretesone

He got the job done anyway,” Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus said.

“He was running a nice race in Tipperary before he was brought down. He learned a bit from that experience and jumped away pretty well today.

“We'll find a little handicap somewhere for him.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

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.