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- Maralinga another for Doyle in Tipperary
Michael Graham
Maralinga another for Doyle in Tipperary
Maralinga, red and green cap, makes the best way home
© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Tim Doyle doubled up at Tipperary when 20/1 Maralinga forged home in the concluding handicap over an extended 12 furlongs.
Gavin Ryan 's horse had to go to work from the widest stall in 21 and was a shade keen in rear of mid-division in the early stages before creeping into contention in the final three furlongs.
The five-year-old gelding made eye-catching headway to chase Inchiquin Maid a furlong and a-half from home.
He soon swept past that rival and set sail for home under Ryan. The duo kept up the gallop to win more than nicely by two and three-quarter lengths. Kings Prince ran on for a never nearer second at 8/1. He was a head in front of French Company (10/1) with Inchiquin Maid (15/2jf) rounding out the places.
Doyle said: "I thought his wide draw wouldn't suit him and his style of racing as he likes to be up with the pace. Gavin said there was no point in trying to go forward from 21 so sat in and he said the horse loved it.
"He was a nice horse as a three-year-old, has been placed a lot of times since but hadn't won for two years, although was back on a mark where he was capable of winning.
"He wasn't himself after his last run and seems to be best fresh. He is back to himself now and could go hurdling as the autumn progresses. It has been a great day."
Doyle won the preceding race on the card with Silkies Sib (11/2). The double paid 135.5/1.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes