Dream start for Coogan

Marias Dream registered back-to-back wins at the Curragh when denying favourite-backers a flying start to Irish Derby day in the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup Premier Handicap.

Jimmy Coogan’s mare had scored over the Co Kildare track’s mile earlier in the month, and provided a follow-up success by staying on best of all to deny 5-1 favourite Rock And Roll Kid by a length.

Coogan said: “She has won it well, and won here the last day too so she must like the track.

“I would like to get some black type with her.

“I am not saying that she is good enough, but I will perhaps try and find a Listed race for her.”

Meanwhile Veteran sprinter Benbaun clocked up an amazing seventh success at the Curragh with a wide-margin victory in the Dubai Duty Free Millenium Millionaire Sapphire Stakes.

The eight-year-old was a standing dish at the venue for Mark Wallace before he emigrated to Australia, after which Benbaun was transferred to Kevin Ryan’s Yorkshire stables.

The 5-1 chance opened his account for his new trainer by easing past 6-4 favourite Inxile two furlongs out and beating Snaefell by two and a half lengths.

Ryan said: “This is great for the old horse. Mark did an amazing job with him and I am delighted to continue that for him now he is on the other side of the world.

“Mark has his first runner tonight at Gunnedah, and I wish him the best of luck as he is a great friend of mine.

“There is another race back here for this horse later in the season, and I would love to run him in the Nunthorpe.”