Step up in trip sees Island McCoo open account over hurdles Having shaped as though his turn was near when runner-up at Limerick last time, Island McCoo went one better when stepped up in trip in Division l of the Follow Kilbeggan On Instagram Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan. A previous scorer over fences, the Donncha Duggan trained gelding was recording a first success over fences on his 12th attempt. Tracking the leaders on the final circuit, the 5/2f came through to head Dearg Mor after the final flight (usual 2 out). Strongly pressed by Pilgrims Walk from the back of the bypassed last, the nine-year-old stayed on well under Alan O'Sullivan to prevail by half-a-length. “He was a bit unlucky in Sligo, he missed the break and ran into traffic,” said Duggan. “He had a lot of ground to make up and finished fourth and then he ran a blinder the last day in Limerick. The ground probably went against him there, it turned up soft. “That’s his ground and he’s all out to get three miles, two-and-a-half miles is probably his trip. “He’s obviously won over fences so we’ll be able to mix it. There are plenty of races to pick. He’s a nice horse.” Quotes by Gary Carson.
