McDonogh & Mullins on the mark with Morga

After finishing third on her last two starts Morga got a deserved win to her name as she took the John Mulhern Handicap Hurdle under Danny Mullins for Des McDonogh and owner Jackie Bolger.

Available at 6/1 last night the daughter of Whipper proved easy to back, opening on-course at 8's before going off a 9/1 chance.

Prominent throughout she travelled strongly and led on the approach to the straight.

She was soon challenged on the inner by Rock On Rosie but she found more when ridden on the run-in, going on to score by a length and three parts.

Rock On Rosie had to settle for second and she was returned the well-backed 10/3 favourite (11/2 last night and from 4's on-course) under Shane Shortall for Adrian Joyce. Usa completed the placings a further five and a half lengths back in third under Barry Geraghty for Stephen Mahon at 9/1.

Des McDonogh said afterwards: "It was a big ask on that ground and with that weight. She's entitled to run in any of those good handicaps.

"This is a special race to win. John Mulhern was a great man."

Danny Mullins, who was recording his fourteenth winner of the season, added: "I'm having a great run. Thankfully I'm getting some good rides for good trainers. I have to keep working hard but when the good horses come you don't mind.

"I just kept wide on her (Morga), I thought the ground would be a little better, it was just a bit chewed up on the inside.

"It's great for Dessie, he has kept her ticking over all summer and she has been running well without getting her head in front. It was important to get the win before the summer goes.

"She doesn't want it too soft, just a little dig. We were worried that maybe too much rain had come but she put her head down and kept on well to the line."

Eimear Mulhern, wife of the late John, was on hand to make the presentations.

STEWARDS REPORT

P. Townend, rider of Do Na Paisti trained by P.G. Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not like the underfoot conditions.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee