Your Pal Tal and Donagh O'Connor© Photo Healy Racing
Johnny Levins is proving one of the training finds of the past few months at Dundalk and the former jockey continued an impressive recent run when his Your Pal Tal (5/4f) landed the opening Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Handicap at the venue this evening.
Ridden by capable 7lbs claimer Donagh O'Connor, the son of Dark Angel quickened up well in the closing stages for a comfortable win over Almadaa
The win was Levins' third from four runners in 2015, adding to seven wins from just 38 runners in 2014 and the timing of any young trainer's rise up the training ranks is all the more appropriate, given the week which has seen leading trainer Charlie Swan retire due to financial pressures.
Levins, who learned much of his trade with Swan, later commented "I had a plan but this race was not in it. However he was working so well that Donagh begged me to run him.
"I'll give him a little break now and freshen him up.
"The plan is to get his rating up in the 80s and I've mapped out about five premier sprints hopefully culminating in the Ayr Gold Cup. Donagh gave him a good ride and he keeps things simple.
"Deirdre Kelly is a new owner from Athlone and has the horse in partnership with Seamus Mannion."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee
