Dark Magic wins under Rory Cleary© Photo Healy Racing
Second here on Friday night, and twice narrowly denied at the venue in December, it all came together nicely for Dark Magic this evening in the HOLLYWOODBETS HORSE RACING AND SPORTS BETTING Handicap at Dundalk.
Winning at the sixth attempt for Tom Cleary, the seven-year-old won three times previously for Johnny Levins, and he took his maiden back in 2017 when with Dean Ivory.
Here under Cleary’s son Rory, Dark Magic raced in mid-division, and he was ridden to press the leaders two furlongs out.
The victor disputed the lead a furlong and a half out, led over a furlong out, before keeping on well in the final furlong to seal the deal.
He beat Kudbegood and ‘the finisher,’ Well Suited by a length and three parts and a length and a quarter.
“The owners (Wall To Wall Syndicate) are a great bunch of lads from Galway. I told them that no matter how he ran tonight we would give him two weeks of a break and keep him sweet," said Tom Cleary.
“Hopefully he can win another one here and they should have good fun with him on grass later in the year.
“He can run over seven furlongs but a mile seems to be his trip and Rory gave him a lovely ride.
“My wife Kathleen was leading up tonight and my other two lads Paul and Thomas are at home. Only for them I wouldn’t be training, it’s a family affair and great when we can get a winner.”
Sam Ewing, rider of Reverberation (GB) trained by J.J.Lambe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout.
At the request of the Stewards, Siobhan Rutledge, rider of Kudbegood, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount fly leaped from the gates but that it was her intention to drop her mount out regardless.
(AM & EM)
