Smart Double At Carlisle

Oisin McSweeney spent a number of years over in England when he was based at Hambleton Lodge before he headed back home to Ireland. He arrived back on these shores at the start of the season and enjoyed a nice double at Carlisle courtesy of Magic Basma and Ribble River, both earning their first career wins.


Magic Basma was a late comer to the yard but the daughter of Expert Eye showed a good attitude and promise during her homework. Carlisle offers debutantes plenty of time to find their feet with he stiff finish meaning they don’t have to be rushed into the race. This proved key as the filly made a winning debut in the 6f Racing TV EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

Given time to mature, Magic Basma still had some furnishing to do when she cam into training. Although not immediately ready, she showed ability and a very kind nature. Once things clicked and she showed that she was ready, Magic Basma was sent to Carlisle to line up against 6 rivals. It is always hard with 2yo’s first time out as you have to see how they take to the occasion but Oisin was allowed to ride with patience if his filly was a little race shy.

Steadily away, Magic Basma raced towards the rear through the early stages as the field shunned the rail to race more central. Oisin gave his filly time to find her feet and although she showed greeness, Magic Basma got into a rhythm. It was an even gallop but they were quickly swinging right handed.

With the leaders straightening up for home, they continued to race down the centre. This left Magic Basma with daylight on the far side of the field and meant that she would have a clear run if good enough. They got racing a long way out and each jockey started to get to work passing halfway. Oisin was cajoling his filly and she was starting to lengthen although still showing plenty of inexperience.

Magic Basma came good passing the 2f marker and made impressive headway. Sweeping through she joined in with the leaders as Oisin continued to educate his filly. Suddenly the debutante hit the front and looked full of running as she took the lead and started to really stretch. The inexperience was still there for all to see but she was thriving as they met the rising ground. Oisin was working and helping his filly all the time as she pricked her ears and pulled away. Inside the final furlong Magic Basma was just having a look around which allowed her rival to close in toward the finish but she had done enough. Passing the line with ease pricked, Magic Basma made a winning debut by 3/4 lengths.

It was a smart performance from Magic Basma who had to overcome plenty of inexperience and greeness. Once she got into her stride she was very strong and the further they went the better she was. There is obviously plenty more to come from the filly who will improve with racing but she won under a hands and heels ride from Oisin. Although Magic Basma made a winning debut, she is far from the finished article but is an exciting filly to look forward to.


When you hit the sweet spot regarding a horse’s trip they can improve tremendously. Stamina and ground proved to be the perfect combination for Ribble River. The 3yo thrived with a step up in trip and took his first win in the 1m3f Autism In Racing Handicap, giving connections a double on the day.

Having shown early promise, Ribble River didn’t quite build on that through the first couple of runs this season. Being by Ribchester, there was always a feeling that ease in the ground would suit best and this was helped by a step up in trip last time out. Running over 1m2f, he showed that the extra stamina test was no problem and should have finished closer if he had been a little more straight forward.

Lining up at Carlisle, Oisin took a patient approach but Ribble River took a bit of a keen hold through the early stages. The pace was steady enough through the first couple of furlongs which did see a few fight for their head. Ribble River  chased the early leaders, in touch but also just fighting Oisin ever so slightly.

When they raced through halfway and started to swing right handed, the pace did pick up as the ground runs away downhill. This did suit Ribble River more and allowed Oisin to drop his hands now and race in a smoother rhythm. As they headed into the final 4f the field once agin shunned the far side rail and began to move towards the centre.

Ribble River just hit a little flat spot but Oisin was quick to maintain his position as the race heated up. Straightening up he came good once again as the leaders began to quicken the tempo. Ribble River was going well in behind the leaders entering the final 2f but he was trapped in a slight pocket. Oisin had to sit and wait, searching for a route through. As the pressure told on a couple of the leaders the gaps began to appear, allowing Oisin to angle out. Switching to his right the pair got clear daylight.

Moving into the final furling, Ribble River had quickened up to join the leaders and looked full of running. Whilst he was entering unknown territory, Ribble River seemed to getting stronger and hitting the rising ground he started to assert. Oisin kept him up to his work but the 3yo was kicking clear of his rivals, eating up the ground. Crossing the line, Ribble River had gained his first win by a comfortable 2 lengths.

The step up in trip really suited Ribble River and he looks as though he would get further. Staying on well, he hit the line hard and won with a bit in hand. The easier ground is ideal for Ribble River and this is a performance that could really see the 3yo build upon.

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