Beach life clearly suits McDonogh
The unique fixture boasts a special atmosphere and McDonogh rose to the challenge as he guided home veteran performer Miracle Ridge in the O’Neills Sports Handicap to complete a double.
Adrian McGuinness’ charge definitely has a liking for the seaside air and was always prominent in the six-furlong dash.
McDonogh made a decisive move a furlong out and Miracle Ridge (9-2) had no trouble in adding to his win at the meeting last year.
The rider had kicked off his brace when Lilly Be (5-1) claimed the opening Elite Racing Bookmakers Handicap for trainer Paul Magnier. McDonogh said. “It’s quick (on the track) but it’s in good nick.”
A sizeable crowd were on hand to see another course specialist, Moon At Midnight, prevail in the Castlemartin Claiming Race.
Sent off the 11-8 favourite, Moon At Midnight was always travelling well for Paul Carberry and after hitting the front inside the final furlong, he stretched away from Desert Mile.
“He’s had four runs here, two wins, a second and a third, so he’s ultra-consistent,” winning trainer Robbie Osbourne said.
“He ran a cracker to win at Down Royal last week and then came here. We will see what happens with the handicapper now.”
Gist made all to land a deserved first success at the 26th attempt in the Gilna’s Cottage Inn Maiden.
Niall McCullagh had the 9-2 shot smartly away and although Daramas raced upsides throughout, the winner kicked on a furlong out to pull clear.
Daramas battled back gamely but Gist was half a length too good at the line.
Trainer William Martin said: “She’s been very good and has been placed nine times.
“She was sixth in a Listed race and was only beaten five and a quarter lengths last week.
“She’s come to herself and she’s getting stronger now.
“She’s trained on the beach in Wexford.”
Thirsk trainer David Nicholls launched a successful raid as Quai Du Roi (5-1) came home a clear winner of the Hibernia Steel Handicap.
Given a positive ride by Derek O’Connor, he led two out and strolled home by three and a half lengths from Keen Look.
Following the example of Miracle Ridge and Moon At Midnight, the Ted Walsh-trained Collingwood became the third course and distance winner to triumph in the Laytown sunshine.
Carrying the colours of local owner Denis Reddan, the tough five-year-old repeated last year's win in the concluding Pat's Centra Race over seven furlongs.
Always prominent, Collingwood stayed on courageously under strong handling by Katie Walsh to hold the persistent challenge of Show Blessed by a neck, the pair finishing five lengths clear of favourite Propinquity, which was never able to deliver a realistic challenge.
