Newcomer Donacheady Gale takes winners bumper at 25/1
Donacheady Gale and Finny Maguire
© Photo Healy Racing
There was a nice across the card double for followers of Boardsmill Stud stallion Kalanisi as sons of the Doyoun horse won the closing contests at both Limerick and Down Royal. Donacheady Gale was impressive on debut in the finale up north, the Mencap INH Flat Race.
Finny Maguire rode the five-year-old for owner John Devine and trainer John Ryan and at 25/1 he went out and accounted for four rivals, two of which were winners.
With a tongue-strap on Donacheady Gale led a furlong out before defeating Centaur and odds-on favourite Sneaky Getaway by four and three parts of a length and a nose.
"I remember his dam (Aboo Who) winning the good hunters chase in Thurles. His dam was champion mare for a year - she was a very, very good mare," said Ryan.
"He's a Kalanisi horse and I bought him in the Sales for small enough money. He had a drop in the Sales and just didn't look himself. I bought him off a friend of mine Will Delaney for small money.
"He's a gorgeous, big horse and he could be anything. He's a lovely horse.
"He was showing us that at home. Finny (Maguire) was mad about him and said 'John, you have a real, class horse.' He said he would be disappointed if he doesn't pick up a winners' bumper.
"We'll probably go for a winners' bumper next. He won well and we are delighted with him."
(MG & EM)