McGuinness crowns successful season with Inflection Point

Inflection Point put the seal on a terrific season for Ado McGuinness with victory in the featured seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

He was settled in rear by Rory Cleary and then made sustained headway on the inner racing to the final furlong.

They led inside the '1' pole and were strong in the final 100 yards as they posted a half-length success at 15/2. War Hero picked up the runner-up reward at 12/1, a neck in front of 5/2 favourite San Andreas who spoilt his chance by being slowly away.

McGuinness said: “Rory gave him a grand ride. He dropped him in which I felt he needed to do to get the seven. He got a lovely clear run and just idled a little bit in front.

“I’m delighted for Nigel O’Hare and it’s his first winner in his colours. He’s from Mayobridge near Newry and they are his local club colours.

“He can do six or seven and we bought him for just 12,000 in Newmarket not too long ago. He’s paid for himself already and is a real fun horse.

“It’s been a great year and this is my last night with runners. It was great to get the HRI award the other night (Flat Achievement Award for his first Group One with A Case Of You's victory in the Prix de l'Abbaye) which really topped it off.

“We have great staff that work really hard and long may it continue.”

The Stewards interviewed H.J. Horgan, rider of San Andreas, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the Regulation having miscounted his number of strikes. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that H.J. Horgan was in breach of R10.3(g)(frequency) and considering his record, they suspended him for four racedays.

H.J. Horgan, rider of San Andreas trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ducked his head down when the gates opened.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee