Gwan Tadhg (nearside) and Mark McDonagh © Photo Healy Racing
Gwan Tadhg made it three wins from his last four starts when staying on gamely up the closing hill to land the Randox Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.
Trained by Edward O’Grady for his son Jonathan, the six-year-old gelding has really turned a corner over the past month with all three wins coming in the hands of Mark McDonogh.
The 5/2 favourite led early on the run-in and kept on well inside the final 150 yards to get the better of Gladiatorial by half-a-length with Fassbender a further length and a quarter away in third.
McDonogh said, "The ground went a bit soft for us, so it probably wasn't the best of him today. He kind of laboured at the finish, but it was nice for him to win again.
"It is summer soft ground, it wouldn't be soft ground in the winter time. They are getting through it, but they still have to get into it.
"He's probably getting up to his level, but I'd say a good result.
"I think he does (want better ground) - look at his runs, they have all been on better than that. Bellewstown was good ground and he was very impressive there.
"I'd say we would probably struggle for good ground in Listowel."
On potential rides at Listowel, he added: "When you think you are busy, you're not. Then surprises can happen, we'll see when the decs come out.
"There's one or two nice horses for dad that I'm looking forward to and anything else after that is a bonus."
Quotes by Michael Graham
