'Tough and genuine' Scotcantou opens account

Scotcantou showed great determination when getting up virtually on the line to cause a 14/1 surprise in the Connolly’s Red Mills EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Galway. Downmexicoway jumped to the front at the penultimate flight and looked a likely winner for most of the run-in only to be pegged back in the final strides.

Calum Hogan ’s mount got the verdict by a head with the pair pulling three and a half lengths clear of Custom Taylor in third.

Winning trainer Eoin McCarthy said, “He is by Shantou, who is a great sire and this horse is tough and genuine. He probably won't want the ground any softer, but he stuck at it.

"You can't beat a young lad riding with confidence, and I'm delighted for John (Moylan, owner) who is with me for a few years and we've had a few winners together.

"We're picking up two bonuses today and I think this series is a huge help. I favour this big-time as it encourages trainers to buy at the sales.

"I can't afford to buy expensive horses, so have to go to the grassroots to purchase and this is a great way of encouraging owners and trainers into buying store horses."

Quotes by Tom Weekes