Double for McDonogh as Gagnant scores

Declan McDonogh recorded a double on the evening in the fourth race on the card, the Sligo Racecourse Supporters Club Handicap, as he got the 9/2 favourite Gagnant up close home to score for trainer Prunella Dobbs.

The 5yo son of Modigliani, was recording just his second career success today having won a handicap over seven furlongs at Roscommon in June of last year.

He went close last time out at Tipperary when just getting beaten by Cool Athlete by half a length.

Having his fifth start of the year today he raced towards the rear for the early part of the race before moving closer to the leaders before the straight.

He was then ridden to challenge inside the final furlong and stayed on well to lead close home winning by half a length from Bubbly Bellini back in second at 6/1 with Lansdowne a further three parts of a length back in third at 5/1.

The Croke family from Dundalk own the winner and they make up the Drumiskin Syndicate.

Winning trainer Prunella Dobbs said of her winner: "He has been a joy to train all season. It's such a joy to train a horse who tries his heart out.

"I've hard him since he was a 2yo and we will try and find a similar race for him now".

Commenting on the upcoming jumps season, Dobbs added: "It's an exciting time of the year looking forward to the jumps season.

"Our Girl Salley has done really well over the summer and she has enjoyed her break and put on plenty of weight.

"She will stay over hurdles for the early part of the season."

Donal Murphy