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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Samui beats sextet of rivals with minimum of fuss

Tue 16th Jul 2024, 20:02

Samui and Declan McDonogh Samui and Declan McDonogh
© Photo Healy Racing

The Gordon Elliott trained Samui registered a second success on the flat when proving far too strong for a sextet of rivals in the Killarney Racegoers Handicap.

Sent off a well supported 5/6f, the former Lartigue Hurdle winner made light of a mark of 89, under Declan McDonogh.

Content to sit back and track the pace on the first circuit, as Bold Approach Longclaw and Almuhit vied for the lead, McDonogh moved closer leaving the back straight for the final time.

Edging into third entering the straight, as Longclaw was the first of the leading trio to crack, Samui headed Bold Approach over a furlong-and-a-half out, galloping clear to record an easy 17 length win.

Winning jockey Declan McDonogh said: "They went very hard and the race fell apart, so I think the distance is exaggerated as the others just stopped and I stayed going.

"He is a fine horse, is improving and while he was previously tough to get out of the gates, he has gone a lot sweeter and jumped today. The pace was strong and I couldn't fault him. He is an improving horse and could go to Galway for something."

Aditional reporting by Thomas Weekes.

1st
5/6Fav
Tote €1.84 €1.20
2nd
17L
9/2
€1.90
3rd
0.5L
15/2
4th
hd
4/1
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.