Una Matata adds to winter riches Una Matata continued her profitable winter campaign, registering her fourth win in the New Saddle Bar At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. On what was her 10th start at the Louth circuit since November, the Adrian McGuinness-trained five-year-old was returned at 8/1 (16s in early shows). Settled towards rear by Ronan Whelan, the Mark Devlin, Mark McGuckin & Claire Wylie-owned bay made progress from early in the straight. Angled towards the nearside with over a furlong to go, she soon came with her challenge and edged to the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by half-a-length. On what was his first start for Pat Murphy, Mehman (11/1) yet again had to settle for minor honours, with Michael O'Callaghan's Rockbury Lad (8/1) a further length-and-three-quarters back in third. Returned the 7/2 joint-favourites, Lahore Da King and Nikki Swango, a stable companion of the winner, both failed to fire, finishing second last and last respectively. "If you had asked me today, I'd have probably said she was the least fancied of the three," McGuinness, who also saddled Clonmacash (7th), reflected. "She has plenty of ability. She lugged a wee bit last week and, in all fairness to Mark Devlin, he said 'make sure that mare goes to this side rail because she won't hang once she is this side'. He's at the rugby tonight. "Ronnie gave her a good ride, he was nice and patient and we are very happy. "More of the same, definitely." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Nikki Swango, trained by Adrian McGuinness, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
