Versatile Manekineko wins Dundalk nightcap

He'd lost out by a short head here on February 19th, and after a trip to Aintree in the meantime My Manekineko (7/2 into 2/1) returned to Dundalk to triumph in the concluding 12th July Marshes Shopping Centre Dual Race Day Handicap under Pat Smullen.

The two miler saw My Manekineko delivered through from the back in the straight, and he led near the finish to prove a head and half a length too good for Zemario and favourite Ibsen

"He made up a lot of ground. Pat said he was very keen. We were hoping the two miles would bring out the best in him," said successful handler James Nash.

"We fancied him for a hurdle in Liverpool but it rained and the ground got heavy on him.

"There is a handicap hurdle on June 1st at Punchestown that will suit him and it's a decent prize.

"We'll look forward to the summer with him and he might win another little one along the way."

The Stewards informed Robert Alan Hennessy, trainer that Magnetic Force would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

D. Robinson, rider of No Cash Flow trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran short of room soon after turning into the straight and clipped a heel as a result.

(GC & EM)