McGuinness starts the night well with Ken's Sam's

On her second start for Ado McGuinness Ken's Sam's (7s into 6s) delivered under Shane Foley in the Bet 5 Euros Get 30 Euros For All New Customers At BetVictor Handicap at Dundalk.

Foley gave the Intense Focus mare a patient ride, delivering her between horses inside the last to beat favourite Snow Patch by a length.

Ken's Sam's former trainer Adrian Joyce sent out the fifth home here, Mercury

“I won’t tell you what I was calling the handicapper after last Monday as she went up 21lb. We couldn’t get her into a race for two months because she was so lowly rated. I had her entered in England and here plenty of times and couldn’t get her in," said McGuinness.

“I was forced to run her here last week in a 0-85, and she got a winners penalty for winning nothing. I suppose winning here has proved him right but that shouldn’t really happen.

“I’m delighted for Tom Kelly, and it’s the first horse I’ve had for him. She’s in again at Newcastle and Lingfield during the week so more than likely she will be turned out again.”

Kelly, a Vietnam War veteran from Ballyleague Co Roscommon explained: “This horse belonged to my deceased son, Kenneth, and it was his parting gift to me. He died of cancer three years ago aged 43. His daughter Samantha was only three when he died and hence the name. This means a lot.”

At the request of the Stewards, R. Coakley, rider of Mr Michael trained by Adrian Brendan Joyce, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount missed the break then later at the first bend he checked out of a tight situation. He added that on straightening up he felt that his mount had lost his action and eased him down.

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the first bend involving Ken's Sam's, ridden by S. Foley, placed first, Ar Saoirse (GB), ridden by O.J. Orr, unplaced, Mr Michael, ridden by R. Coakley, unplaced and Buddha Boy (GB), ridden by Karen Kenny, unplaced, where it appeared that Mr Michael ran short of room and was checked.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that any interference caused was accidental in nature and took no further action.

(AM & EM)