Crown on top for McGuinness

Celtic Crown quickened up smartly to win her first race since joining Ado McGuinness, in the Dublin To Bahrain Handicap at Leopardstown this evening.

The Hallowed Crown mare cost €10,000 at the sales last November and was recording her fifth career success tonight.

Cian MacRedmond drove the 14/1 shot to the front a furlong-and-a-half from home and she quickened away inside the final furlong to post a three-length win over stablemate Cordouan

“I think the ground is the key to her,” said McGuinness.

“She ran very well (when third) in the Ulster Oaks, she was only touched off in it. She didn't run too bad the last day up the Curragh (finished 13th) but it was a bit quick.

“I have her in the Mile at Galway and she might climb into that now, hopefully she will.

“She won a premier handicap before on Guineas weekend and is a solid filly.

“She was only a ten grand buy last year at the mares sales in Goffs. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time and she's definitely paying her way.”