McDonogh doubles up as Finsceal Annie wins again

Written by John O'Riordan

Having landed the opening race on the card, jockey Declan McDonogh completed a quick double when partnering market leader Finsceal Annie to win the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown Handicap.

Successful over course and distance a week ago, the Ciaran Murphy trained filly recorded back-to-back wins at the Foxrock racecourse.

Tracking the pace from the outset, McDonogh arrived on the outside travelling strongly over a furlong out, as Cu Chulainn and Prince Of Eyeries led the way.

As the latter pair gave way over 200 yards out, Finsceal Anne and Harry The Rogue settled down to battle it out in front.

For the second race in succession, it was former champion jockey McDonogh who came out on the right side of a head verdict.

“She’s versatile. She had a lovely draw in one, we went hard and I was able to get out off the fence and fill her on the way round,” said McDonogh.

“She doesn’t do a whole lot when she gets there but she’s still quite genuine and did enough.

“It’s a low grade handicap and they are after going hard so I thought three or four might stop and I could be marooned a little bit in there so decided to get out of it and play it safe.

“We were after going hard so I was able to just give her a fill up on the turn and go again.

“I was always holding the second. She’s the filly on the up and I thought she had done well physically since I rode her in the winter.

“Hopefully she can win again, they are on about Galway and she might be good around there. She has a bit of gate speed which helps around there.”