French Company (far side) beats Hidden Land © Photo Healy Racing
The second split of the mile-and-a-half handicap went to the Declan McDonogh-ridden French Company at odds of 10/3.
There was plenty of competition for the lead and McDonogh was content to watch on from rear of mid-division. His mount made headway on the outer from early in the straight and hit the front over a furlong out. Having been headed at that point, Hidden Land did not go down without a fight but was held by half a length at the line with Nusra a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.
The winner was twice runner-up on turf last year and had made the frame in three of his previous four starts on the polytrack so this breakthrough victory was well-merited.
Winning trainer Jimmy Coogan, saddling his fourth Dundalk winner since the turn of the year, said: “That was grand and it’s a few pound into my wife’s account so it will keep everyone happy.
“With a bit of luck he might win again if the handicapper is not too hard on him."
Quotes from Alan Magee
