Sonoran on the move after success in Dundalk opener

Shane Redmond

Published at Oct 28, 2026, 14:29

Sonoran and Gary Carroll win for trainer Ger Lyons at Dundalk this afternoon
© Healy Racing Photos

The Ger Lyons-trained Sonoran landed his third career success when taking the opening Dundalk Stadium Optional Claiming Race this afternoon.

A strong 11/8 favourite under Gary Carroll, the four-year-old came from well off the pace to beat Denis Hogan's 5/1 chance Justenzia by a length and a quarter with the Willie McCreery-trained 50/1 shot Morning Approach a length and three-parts further back in third place.

Carroll said, “I would have sat handier if they were sensible, I was at the pin of my collar most of the way but he was strong in his last furlong.

“You would have been disappointed if he didn't beat them today. He did and did it nicely.

“I'd say going forward that he probably wants a mile and a quarter, but it was nice to get the job done.

“Hopefully, the luck continues out at the Breeders' Cup with Red Letter.”

Sonoran was subsequently claimed for €15,000 by James McAuley and will now join trainer Denis Hogan.

Additional reporting from Michael Graham

2.00

Dundalk Stadium Optional Claiming Race €10,000.00 1m

1st

Sonoran (IRE) (7)

11/8Fav

Tote €2.38 €1.10

2nd

1.25L

Justenzia (IRE) (4)

5/1

€2.00

3rd

1.75L

Morning Approach (IRE) (3)

50/1

€13.40

4th

0.5L

King Of Eze (GB) (2)

12/1

Full Result

About Shane Redmond

Shane joined Irish Racing Services in 1991 and has been involved in the horse racing industry in Ireland ever since. He worked as a racing reporter, probable SP compiler and SP reporter with Racing Services for 12 years before spending over 22 years with Horse Racing Ireland where his roles included editing the Irish Form Book between 2003 and 2014.

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