Highway swoops to land gamble

The Michael O'Callaghan-trained Darkdeserthighway landed a nice touch in the first division of the 47-65 mile handicap at Dundalk tonight.

Having traded as big as 20/1 this morning the Hallowed Crown filly went to post 7/2 favourite.

Dylan Browne McMonagle, stepping in for the winning ride, settled his mount in mid-division in the early stages after getting across from stall 17.

He produced her to challenge on the outer in the straight and she hit the front passing the furlong pole, staying on well to post a two-and-a-half length win over James Henry

The winning rider said:- “Leigh (Roche) and Michael were fairly confident beforehand.

“She had a good run the last day in Roscommon over seven on soft ground. Back up to a mile today and back on a better surface it worked out lovely.

“We had a very bad draw but I got across into a nice position and we went along which helped.

“She travelled into the straight really well and when I went for her she picked up well and hit the line well.

“I'm happy with her, she's a nice filly going forward and hopefully that's the first of many for her.”