Hickey's decision to keep Magic Dawn reaps dividends

Aidan Kelly rode 28/1 Magic Dawn clear entering the straight in the mares' bumper and it proved to be a race-winning move.

The pair got first run on Abi's Champ who ran on strongly a furlong out in her attempt to reel in the leader. She kept closing, but the bird had flown and Magic Dawn came in by three parts of a length from the 5/2 runner-up.

There was plenty of money around this morning for Mags Mullins' newcomer, Armed And Fabulous who took third at 3/1 some 15 lengths off the runner-up.

Handler Michael Hickey said: “She has a great pedigree. That’s three runners out of the mare now and three winners.

“She quickened up well in the straight. She’s a fine big mare and I’m glad I didn’t sell her. She was only making 12 grand at the sales and will make a nice broodmare.”

She is a full-sister to Magic Daze who won a Grade B handicap chase at this track in April and who has been Grade 2 placed over fences.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee