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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Open makes all under McDonogh

Mon 15th Aug 2016, 18:50

Great Wide Open and Declan McDonogh (left) just hold off Have A Nice Day and David SimmonsonGreat Wide Open and Declan McDonogh (left) just hold off Have A Nice Day and David Simmonson
© Photo Healy Racing

Great Wide Open recorded his third win of the year, as he made all in the Murray Ambulance Service Handicap.

Successful at Dundalk in March, and Gowran in May, the Charles O'Brien trained four-year-old went down by just neck to Captain Power at Leopardstown on Thursday.

Having opened at 4/1 on-course, the son of Starspangledbanner eventual went off the 10/3 market leader in the colours of owners the Painestown Syndicate.

Sent straight to the front by Declan McDonogh, he was pressed and ridden with a furlong and a half to go. He proved game in front, and kept on well in the closing stages, holding off Have A Nice Day by a short head.

The runner-up was returned at 6/1 under David Simmonson for Sabrina Harty, while Texas Rock (8/1) was a further length and three parts back in third with Oisin Orr in the saddle for Michael Grassick.

Declan McDonogh said afterwards: "He was a bit edgy at the start. It's a fairly hot day and maybe that was the reason. He was keen early but you can't fight him. He's that sort of horse, and if you get into a row with him you can't win.

"He loves going right-handed but he could go to Listowel as with that running style it should suit him around there as well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

S. Foley, rider of Kadra trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Kadra, trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

1st
10/3Fav
Tote €3.80 €1.40
2nd
shd
6/1
€2.30
3rd
1.25L
8/1
€2.40
4th
1.75L
9/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.