Express books his 2,000 ticket

DUNBOYNE Express booked his ticket to the Irish 2,000 Guineas when landing yesterday’s Group 3 Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial.

The Kevin Prendergast trained colt, owned by his breeder Johnny Connaughton, beat his two rivals convincingly, after major market rival Cocozza “sat down” twice in the stalls and was withdrawn.

Having tracked Whipless and Exodus, Declan McDonogh made his move on Dunboyne Express early in the straight and, always travelling better than his rivals, edged ahead at the furlong pole before edging clear to triumph by a length and three-quarters.