Maiden Methgal gets off the mark Eleven-race maiden Methgal (28s — 16/1) benefited from reverting down in distance and trying differing tactics today, landing Dundalk’s Sunday 12th July Ladies Day At Dundalk Handicap for trainer Pat Murphy and jockey Conor Cusack. The four-year-old had previously managed just one placing and was today reverting from 1m2f to seven furlongs, with Harnett racing prominently throughout before holding on well for a half-length success over Sakakawea . Trainer Murphy mentioned "Conor, who has come to ride out for me a lot lately, did a great job and while the horse has loads of ability, is just a bit tricky and has his own ideas about the game. The plan was to keep the bit up in his mouth and go forward to keep him interested, so he did a great job. “We ran him over 10 (furlongs) previously to try and keep him on the bridle but that didn't work as he didn't stay. We said we’d keep him lit over a shorter distance and it worked, so hopefully he will improve from that. We will try him on the turf now." Quotes from Michael Graham
