Blackcastle Storms home much to McDonogh's chagrin

Declan McDonogh (unwell) had been due to partner second-race victor The Road Is Long and missed out on another winner when 4/1 favourite Blackcastle Storm took the McNally´s Pharmacy 365 Handicap for Matthew Smith and the Up The Bog Road Syndicate.

Chris Hayes deputised in the saddle and sat second before sending his mount to the front early in the straight. Last year's winner Imposing Supreme passed him over a furlong out but that horse was having his first start since September and ran out of steam as the winner rallied to score by half a length.

Hayes said: "The ground in Leopardstown was a shade quick and I kind of recommended a little bit more cushion underfoot and a step up in trip. 

"Then he ran a stormer with Declan in the Curragh. He's down to a workable mark again. 

"I think the ground probably played into his strength here more than the trip, so he will improve when he goes further. 

"I was hoping to get back on him at some stage - not nice to get it this way, but he'll be there for Declan when he is back. 

"Yes (great attitude) because I thought I was cooked a furlong and a-half down. He was just all at sea with the pace I was trying to make him go. When the other horse came, he loved a scrap and eyeballed him and changed his lead coming to the road and on again. 

"He (Smith) is a pleasure to ride for, so simple and you barely get instructions."

Quotes from Michael Graham