Midnight Soprano© Photo Healy Racing
Marc Monaghan enjoyed a 'David & Goliath' moment at The Curragh today when the 17 year old steered Midnight Soprano to win the Paddy Power Handicap, delivering his 'knock-out' blow to Johnny Murtagh on his front-running mount Royal Diamond on the line.
Murtagh was clear for most of the way on Royal Diamond but was strongly pressed once Midnight Soprano went in pursuit inside the final furlong.
At the line Midnight Soprano was flashing home and caught Murtagh's mount close home for a neck win, with Monaghan, who turns 18 on Friday, affording a knowing 'pat' of the neck shortly after passing the line.
Afterwards winning trainer Paul Deegan said “they don't come any tougher or more genuine than Midnight Soprano - her sister was the same and they're a lovely late maturing family.
“We had this in mind for a while and it was 'one shot for a big pot' and hopefully she'll go on to get blacktype. She goes on both soft and quick ground and has got pace and stays.
“It was a great ride from the kid and he is great value for his 7lbs claim.
“There'a a Group 3 for her at Naas and I'm fairly confident she'll get blacktype at some stage.
“The owner (Jim Monaghan, grandfather of the winning jockey) is a great man and is very patient.”
