Allegio streaks home in mile contest by 33 lengths

Allegio followed up his course success from March 31st when scoring under Seamie Heffernan for the Denis Hogan yard in the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap at Cork.

Reverting back to this extended mile trip, the Galileo gelding proved too much from the front for his three rivals.

The 5/4 favourite (from 7/4) asserted early in the straight and he was soon clear on the way to an easy thirty three length success over Aussie Valentine

"I know it was only four runners but they have to go through the ground. Last year we thought he was a good ground horse but he has turned inside out over the winter. Seamie (Heffernan) said all last year he was on the weak side," explained Hogan.

"I'm not sure where we go from here but he is very good and I think the handicapper can't be as harsh as the winning distance because the others couldn't go.

"There are handicaps for him at the Guineas and Derby weekend and we'll also see what's in the U.K. We'll see how the handicapper reacts but hopefully he won't react the way he could if he wanted."

He added: "It's great for Ray (Treacy, owner) who is based in England but is originally from near me at home. He has four horses with me all the time and is some supporter of mine and is consistently buying.

"He has a very good pedigree and Colm Sharkey picked him up for us for 5,500GBP (as a three year old in November 2016) but the boys weren't happy with his name and changed it. I think it cost E400 and he was initially called Campbells Cove.

"He has been schooled over hurdles and we'll see how far he goes on the Flat before he goes over hurdles - after today it won't be for a while."

M.Halford and A. McGuinness, trainers, requested an interview with the stewards to express their concerns with the ground conditions.

Both trainers were informed that the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Course had satisfied the Stewards that today's ground is raceable.

Additionally, the Stewards reminded M. Halford that he had the opportunity to withdraw his charge earlier if he had concerns with ground conditions.

(TW & EM)