Bellini repeats the dose at Curragh

Bubbly Bellini got his year off to a flier again when landing the St Patricks Festival Handicap at the Curragh for the second year running.

Ado McGuinness' charge gained the first of four wins last season in the six furlong contest 12 months ago.

Declan McDonogh was again in the plate and had his mount prominent throughout. The 13/2 shot hit the front inside the final furlong to beat the fast finishing Club Wexford by a neck.

“That's the first plan over. We'll tip away with him in handicaps as long as he gets a dig in the ground,” said McGuinness.

“Declan said he wasn't in love with that ground as it's very tacky.

“That was the plan to start off and he just about held on. He's a good genuine horse and is nine-years-old now.

“Hopefully the handicapper is not too hard on him and we'll have the same sort of program as last year.”