Lariat finally gains first win on Irish soil

Trainer Ado McGuinness landed the second split of the 1m6f handicap when Lariat (11/2) came out on top under Cian MacRedmond

The Poet’s Voice gelding tracked the front-running Artistic Work and was shaken up to challenge on the final turn. In front two furlongs out, he stayed on well to gain a first win on Irish soil by a length and a half from Tenth Amendment Fattan was a further length back in third.

Succesful for Andrew Balding in 2018, the six-year-old Lariat raced off 86 on his first start for McGuinness in 2020 and was successful here off 52.

"He has been a very frustrating horse," said the winning trainer.

"At least he has his head in front and he has a nice mark over hurdles. He will probably mix it over the summer.

"Cian gave him a great ride there. He's just a tricky type of a horse, a typical 47-65 but he has loads of ability.

"He is great value (for his claim) and hopefully I will hold on to that 5lb until we get to Galway!"

Quotes from Michael Graham