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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Maguire gets a spark out of Blacksmiths Forge

Mon 15th Jul 2024, 18:18

Blacksmiths Forge (left) reels in Cap BernatBlacksmiths Forge (left) reels in Cap Bernat
© Photo Healy Racing

Finny Maguire has been seen to good effect in recent weeks and the polished amateur got on the scoresheet again when newcomer Blacksmiths Forge (12/1) came from well off the pace to land the Download The New Tote App Flat Race. 

Trained by Gerry Keane for George Blake, the daughter of Kalanisi was fifth entering the final quarter-mile and stayed on well up the final climb to gradually reel in the veteran Cap Fornat for a three-parts of a length success. 

Keane said: Gerry Keane said: "She was difficult to break, she was broken when we got her. She was hard to handle when we got her first.

"She has settled down a lot in the last few weeks. We were expecting a nice run, but we didn't expect her to be there.

"She doesn't show that at home, she is very slow in her work. We knew she wanted a trip. We would be working them over six and seven furlongs on the gallops we use - she wouldn't show you a lot on that. It shows you can't go by homework!

"We brought her to a schooling day over a mile and a-half in Navan and she did show a nice bit. We thought she would be alright.

"She just gallops and gallops, and the further she goes the better.

"That is actually Finny's first ride for me. Joey Dunne normally rides ours and he is away on holidays. Finny rang me looking for the ride. When you get the chance to use him, you might as well use him."

Quotes from Michael Graham

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.