in Ecstasy and Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
Declan McDonogh completed a Dundalk double today with a winning spare ride on In Ecstasy in the Lengthen The Odds With BetVictor Race, steering both winners for trainer Joseph O'Brien.
Dylan Browne McMonagle partnered the White Brich Farm owned gelding to win at the venue in November and while declared for today's ride, missed the engagement being unwell. McDonogh, earlier successful with the O'Brien trained newcomer White Marlin stepped in and steered In Ecstasy to a three parts of a length win over front-running Rene Artois
McDonogh later said “he's tough and his work was good leading into the race. I couldn't ride him last time as I was suspended, he had improved after Dylan won on him and he ran like that today. I think he's a horse going the right way.
“They got going from the five (furlong marker) pretty strong and I was just on the collar a little bit and I left him alone.
“I knew it would turn into a bit of a grueller the last half and that played to his strengths. He stayed well and he's a nice horse.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
