Maal Wins Claimer at Clonmel

Breaking the hoo-doo of runner up in his previous three events, Maal scored a merited victory when overcoming Blackwitch Woman in the final stages of the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Claiming Race at Clonmel.

Racing at Clonmel

Appearing to be in good favour powering in the straight was Blackwitch Woman, though Maal, under the guidance of jockey Leigh Roche, threw down the challenge in the final furlong to wear down the runner up, staying on strongly to post a victory by half a length.

“He’ll probably go back for a handicap now. He might show up in Listowel as he ran well there last year,” said Marnane.

“He’s very consistent. Leigh gave him a great ride. He’s a very good young lad and he settled well for him today.

“He might look for something over a mile and a half a he could try Dundalk again.”