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Pocotaligo edges thriller in claimer

Pocotaligo (pink) holds off Marmolata (nearest) with runner-up Royal Highness hidden on the far sidePocotaligo (pink) holds off Marmolata (nearest) with runner-up Royal Highness hidden on the far side
© Photo Healy Racing

The Ado McGuinness-trained Pocotaligo emerged on top after a thrilling three-way finish to the claiming maiden at Dundalk. Royal Highness and the eventual winner were at the head of affairs throughout in the seven-furlong contest and fought it out in the closing stages.

Shane Foley gave his mount a strong drive and he had his head in front at the post as Marmolata flashed home to join the front pair passing the line.

The verdict went by a short-head to Pocotaligo with Royal Highness second and just a nose further back to 11/8 Marmolata.

Pocotaligo was making his first start for new connections having been claimed out of a similar race a fortnight ago when finishing second.

“That was hard work! We only have him a couple of weeks and he's a smashing big horse so hopefully we hold on to him,” said McGuinness.

“I think he'd have a grand future up here for the winter. Dusty (Foley) said they thought an awful lot of him in Harrington's at once stage and then his form just petered out a little bit.

“He's a nice horse and it's my first runner ever for Noel (Hayes of Genesis Thoroughbred Club). It was grand to get a good start so the only way I can go now is down!

“He's a lovely horse and he gave him a great ride. He sort of half stole it from the start so it was a brilliant ride too. It's great for everybody.”

The winner was claimed back by Genesis Thoroughbreds. AD Mullins claimed Marmolata to be trained by Mags Mullins while Leanne Breen claimed Lottieloveheart

1st
7/2
Tote €3.80 €1.60
2nd
shd
9/1
€3.10
3rd
nose
11/8Fav
€1.02
4th
1.25L
14/1
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.