Mono River claims first success Roscommon’s opening QuinnBet Optional Claiming Race today was won by the Denis Hogan-trained Mono River (18/5) who registered a first success on his 11th career attempt, and was later claimed by trainer John McConnell. Initially a runner-up three times when trained by William Haggas in England, the four-year-old had failed to place in six Irish starts this year and, just last May 8, was bought back by Hogan at an online sale for 3,000gns. Today the Premier Racing Club’s Mono River benefitted from a patient and nicely judged ride from jockey Joey Sheridan, who improved the gelding to lead inside the final furlong, before scoring by three-parts of a length from Powerful Hook Head . It was in-form Hogan’s 18th Flat success this year and Sheridan stated “a couple of the leaders ran off the first bend but I was grand and got in behind Deccy (McDonogh, on Powerful Hook Head). His horse quickened up well into the straight but my lad picked up and did it well. “Racing off 9st-2lb he should have been thereabouts and Denis’s horses are flying as well, so it’s great.” Trainer McConnell later claimed both Mono River for €9,000 and fifth-placed Adial Kedo for €7,000. Quotes from Gary Carson
