Declan McDonogh grimaces at Luke Nolan's error of judgement on Black Caviar© Photo Healy Racing
Alhellal ran out a game winner of the Magners Ulster Derby (Premier Handicap) at Down Royal in the hands of Declan McDonogh.
Twice an all-weather scorer at Dundalk, the victorious Kalanisi gelding looked like he'd be claimed by Rattan inside the final furlong but he toughed-it out well to win by a length and a quarter.
The gambled-on front-runner Shamiran (7s into 5s) slipped and lost the lead as they approached the business end and any hopes he had ended there as he eventually faded back into last place.
McDonogh said: "He'd be a better horse on better ground. There was a good bit left, he boxed on when he saw the white face (that of Rattan) coming."
Maurice Phelan, meanwhile, the winning trainer, said: "I have three in for the summer and I was hopeful for this fellow today.
"Declan said he handled the ground. He stays well and he was in better form today than he was in at Leopardstown last time.
"That was a good tough performance and Galway would be a possibility for him now. He'll jump a hurdle in future."
Of course Athy-based Phelan had a day to remember with Portrait King in the Eider Chase this year and the owner of Alhellal, Mahmoud Abdulkhaleq is a London-based Palestinian pharmacist. (MG & EM)
