Donoch delivers in Dundalk's opener

Dundalk's opening race winner Donoch pulled up in a point-to-point in September and today upset at 22/1 in the Join On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap at the all-weather venue, scoring for trainer Denis Hogan and jockey Joe Doyle.

A 24,000gns Breeze-Up purchase in May 2018, the son of Garswood was unplaced in two flat starts in 2019. However he returned to action when pulling up in a point-to-point last September and last month debuted for trainer Hogan when unplaced over five furlongs.

Donoch found a happy medium at 1m4f today and made it third-time-lucky in flat handicaps as he flashed home on the outside to beat Stay With Me by a head.

Donoch carries the colours of the Dual Racing Syndicate and while Hogan wasn't present, jockey Doyle later reported “he was quite keen the last day but still ran well. He settled well today and has toughed it out in the end.

“He’s a pretty unexposed horse and hopefully there is more to come from him. He needed every yard of the mile and a half. He’s run in a point-to-point and I’m sure he’ll go up in trip again.”

Quotes from Alan Magee