The Mcgregornator (inside) holds off the fast finishing Nothing To Lose © Photo Healy Racing
The Mcgregornator got a deserved second career success to his name, as he took the Denis Byrne Memorial Apprentice Race for owner/trainer Adrian Keatley.
A winner on his second start at the Curragh in April of 2016, the son of Bushranger was placed on his first two starts this season, finishing a disappointing fourth when sent off favourite on his most recent effort at Ayr.
Having opened at 4/1 this evening, he drifted out to a starting price of 5/1, and he was settled behind the leaders on the inner by Danny Sheehy.
He dropped to fourth and was ridden from the three furlong pole, but responded well to pressure, coming through to lead in the final 150 yards, keeping on well to score by a diminishing neck.
Fairyhouse winner Nothing To Lose was the one chasing him down, but he ultimately had to settle for second under Killian Leonard for John McConnell at 7/1. Dalton Highway (25/1) completed the placings another half a length back in third, while the 3/1 favourite (from 7/2) I Will Excel was a head away in fourth.
Keatley remarked: "He's a good, tough, honest horse and that type of ground and trip are suitable. Turning in he looked the first horse beaten but he kept on responding.
"He's in again on Sunday and, if he eats up, we will consider it in the morning."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
