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Browne McMonagle doubles up on Count Bezukhov

Count Bezukhov, right, wears down Lonely IslandCount Bezukhov, right, wears down Lonely Island
© Healy Racing Photos

Champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle took the last race on the card in the Curragh on Count Bezukhov to bring up a late double.

Count Bezukhov was widely expected to step up on an opening third over a mile and a-half at Leopardstown in this maiden over 10 furlongs as the market sent him off 'tips on' 10/11 favourite.

He tracked Lonely Island into the straight and the leader was plenty game in front as he was still there inside the final furlong. Count Bezukhov needed every yard to grind him down close home for a half-length success.

The runner-up was a 14/1 chance and was half a length up on newcomer Saxony Charms who finished well in third at 25/1.

Joseph O'Brien said: “He had a nice run on debut. He probably wanted to be going further rather than shorter, but we were happy that the Curragh would suit him and he boxed on well - all the way to the line."

“He’s a tough horse, a staying type, and he’ll probably end up in a stakes race now.

“There is a mile-and-five Listed race in Leopardstown, but that might come a bit soon - but it will be something like that for his next start.”

Browne McMonagle also won the preceding race on Headmaster (14/1) for Eddie Lynam.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
10/11Fav
Tote €2.05 €1.20
2nd
0.5L
14/1
€4.00
3rd
0.5L
25/1
€5.25
4th
0.75L
8/1
About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.