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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Merisi Diamond gets his conditions out west

Mon 2nd Sep 2024, 17:47

Merisi Diamond, far side, holds MercurialMerisi Diamond, far side, holds Mercurial
© Photo Healy Racing

Joanna Morgan's Merisi Diamond fended off Mercurial at the end of an extended seven furlongs in the RoscommonRacecourse.ie Handicap.

Ronan Whelan 's partner went for home a furlong and a-half out, but Mercurial and Seamie Heffernan chased them into the final furlong and attempted to get on terms.

Merisi Diamond (9/2) found for Whelan, though and they passed the post half a length up on the pursuer Mercurial (9/1). The runner-up pulled eight lengths clear of Orandi (5/2f).

Whelan said: “The last day (12th in Curragh) everything was a bit sharp for him and he needed it off a long layoff, it probably put him right for today.

“He had his conditions and the race set up lovely for him. When he gets his conditions, he's consistent. Any time it hasn't happened for him there has been a reason for it.

“He's a fine, big, scopey horse and hopefully he's not done yet and that will get him back on track. He can go on to bigger and better things.

“It's nice to get a winner for Joanna too as she's always been very good to me.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
9/2
Tote €5.60 €2.30
2nd
0.5L
9/1
€2.10
3rd
8L
5/2Fav
€1.20
4th
0.5L
4/1
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.