Happaugue got off the mark at the sixth attempt at Dundalk today as the John McConnell trained gelding landed the opening division of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap under jockey Rory Cleary.

The four year old son of Morpheus was well held in four maiden runs prior to showing promise on handicap debut at the Co Louth venue in November and today scored a length and three parts win over Rock On Aidan

Jockey Cleary later reported “he ran well here over a mile the last day. They quickened away from him the last day and we felt stepping up in trip would give him more of a chance to get into the race.

“He travelled really good today and picked up well. Hopefully he can improve a bit and go on and win another handicap or two.

“He didn’t have a great draw but he broke good and smart and got into a good position from the start.”

Quotes from Alan Magee