Three in a Row for McDonogh
Jockey Declan McDonogh was on a roll at Roscommon today, winning three events in a row for a very successful day.
Declan McDonogh
The jockey’s latest victory was aboard Dibella, one of three Aga Khan hopefuls in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden, with the Mick Halford trained filly donning the third colours of the owner.
McDonogh had his mount making headway on the outer straight, to move into lead under two furlongs out, stayed on well to post a comfortable victory over runner up Crazyforlovingyou.
“She’s tough and ran well in Killarney last time. She was green then and rolled around a bit when Fran went for her. So we stuck the cheekpieces on today to help,” said Halford.
“She stays really well and is improving with racing. The step up in trip helped as well.
“We’ll go handicapping with her and it was good to get a bracket with her. I thought Declan would suit as he’d give her a strong ride.”
Declan McDonogh’s second victory for the day came aboard Saajidah in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap.
Tracking the race leader Gipsy Countess during the event, the Kevin Prendergast trained charge was ridden to challenge in the straight, hitting the front with one and a half furlongs to go, pulled clear from the field and the three year old kept on well scoring a three and a half length victory from Articilitis.
“She won well. She stays well and didn’t mind the ground,” said Prendergast.
“I’ll probably enter her for the Cesarewitch and see what weight she gets. She’ll probably get a hike for this.”
His first win of the day came with a well timed performance aboard Foxillian to score a victory in the Castlerea Handicap.
Trained by Ken Condon, the filly moved the lead in the final 100 yards to record a length and a quarter victory over Kammaan.
“She ran on slow ground last year so I wasn’t as concerned as a few of the other lads,” said Condon afterwards.
“It was a long seven furlongs today. She won over a mile last time. I thought the rider was very good today. He waited on his run as it was so testing.
“She has jumped a little bit in the ratings and went up 9lb for her last run. I thought that might see her beat. I don’t think he can be too severe on her today.
“She will be a bit better on dryer ground. She’s a fun horse. She’s improving and is very sound.”
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