Boy follows-up on recent course & distance win

Plough Boy followed-up on his recent win over the course and distance last month, as he took the opener at Dundalk this evening, the 32Red Casino Handicap.

Sent off a 5/2 chance, the Garvan Donnelly trained seven-year-old was settled in third on the outer by Wayne Lordan.

He was ridden to challenge over a furlong out, and after a great battle inside the final furlong, he gained the upper hand close home, going on to win by half a length. Oneoveryou was the one denied. On her first start for Richard O'Brien, the bay filly was sent off favourite, going from 5/2 to 6/4 on-course.

The front two were a length and three parts in front of Primo Uomo who ran a nice race to finish third on his comeback run.

"That was great. As I said the last day we've always thought he was a very speedy horse," said Donnelly.

"Once they go fast for him he'll come home well and he got a good ride there.

"We knew the pace was on the inside and if we went forward enough on him he'd grind it out and that's what he did. There was a good pot tonight and it's nice to get.

"I have to say a big thank you to all the local lads around my area for helping us during the snow. We were in big trouble as the roads and everything were blocked.

"All the neighbours came up and gave us a hand to clear off the gallop and stuff. Luckily enough we were able to keep them going.

"I was worried but John (Duffy) has a big farm up beside us and we were able to get a bit of cantering into them.

"I thought he might be a bit short but he was alright as he keeps himself very fit.

"I've always thought we'd go back on grass with him. He's probably on a career high now and we'll keep taking advantage of those type of races if we can."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson