Claiming king Magnetic North a birthday present for Caffrey

Magnetic North enjoyed himself in bringing up his hat-trick of claimers in the opener at Ballinrobe.

He dropped back to an extended 1m1f after winning in this grade at Limerick and Tramore, but it made no difference to the outcome.

He adopted his customary front-running tactics and although pestered by Insomnia before the half-way stage, had that rival beaten over a quarter of a mile from home.

Insomnia's stablemate, Jaafel looked dangerous as he made good headway into second racing to the final quarter of a mile, but Magnetic North kicked off the front approaching the straight. Eloquent Arthur was sent after him in the straight, but Magnetic North was driven home by Adam Caffrey to score by a length and a half at 4/1.

Runner-up Eloquent Arthur went off a 7/2 chance and was six lengths clear of Chicago Storm (11/2).

Trainer Dick Donohoe said: "He's in top order. They made it hard for him up front, but he still found plenty. We thought the trip was on the sharp side but I suppose the favourite (Bringsty) didn't run his race and that was a help. We'd like to hold onto him, but we'll see what happens."

Caffrey added: "When he gets it like that in front, you always know he's going to run his race. That's the way he likes to be ridden and I just kept it simple on him. When he gets in behind horses and doesn't really get it his own way, he doesn't give you that much of a feel.

"I'm 20 today. I'm in with Ado McGuinness every morning and he's been great to me, along with all his owners, and has been looking after me really well. Obviously, he'll have a big team for Galway next week so hopefully we'll have a bit of luck there."

Caffrey was on board for Magnetic North's trio of claimer successes.

The winner was claimed for €15,000 by James McAuley while Eloquent Arthur was the subject of a friendly claim (Denis Hogan). Chicago Storm was claimed by owner Conor Brett to stay with Peter Fahey.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan