Finny Maguire (red and green) comes through to win on Celldomfed© Photo Healy Racing
Adrian Maguire has started many good young horses out on their way to better things, most famously of course Denman, and his Beneficial gelding Celldomfed made a pleasing beginning when winning the finale at Downpatrick, the Horse First (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Maguire's son Finny was in the plate on the 12/1 shot, donning the familiar Masterson Holdings Limited silks, and he made his ground from behind the leaders into third two furlongs out.
Celldomfed led a furlong out and one of the market-leaders, Lip Service was switched left inside the last to get a run at the eventual winner.
That Donagh Meyler-ridden Tony Martin runner just came up short in the end, by a head, as odds-on favourite John Monash trailed home in sixth.
"He battled well, it's a fairly undulating track and he was up against mature horses. He's a playful sort-a fairly free type and he hung right. He'll improve a load from that and is one to look forward to. He's good and tough," reported Finny Maguire.
Maguire senior meanwhile stated: "I'm thrilled. He's a lovely horse and we've always thought a lot of him. It was a good performance and Finny gave him a super ride.
"It's great to see the youngsters coming through. It's a bit like living the dream again with Finny. It's a family affair and we're surviving!"
The Stewards enquired into an incident at the top of the track involving Gentleman Moore ridden by Mr S. Crawford, and Easy To Find ridden by Mr J.F. O'Meara, where it appeared Easy To Find suffered interference.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion Mr S. Crawford was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden improperly, and having taken his good record into account, they suspended him for 3 racedays.
(MG & EM)
