Review ROSCOMMON 8TH AUG

Adrian McGuinness has played an important part in Declan McDonogh leading the Flat jockeys' championship this year, and the pair recorded their ninth win together with Breaker Morant.

The easy-to-back 7/2 favourite made all in the 7f handicap, and stayed on well for pressure to beat Abbeylara by 3/4L leaving McDonogh four ahead of Johnny Murtagh (55-51).

'I hope Declan wins the championship and, if he does, I'd better get invited to the party! He gave that horse a great ride and we may go to Ballinrobe next Monday.'

Seamus Heffernan was found to have used his whip with excessive frequency aboard fifth placed Mollyputtheketelon, and was hit with a two days suspension.

Niall McCullagh had Carnbridge close to the pace throughout in the 10f maiden, and the well supported 11/8 favourite found a bit extra under pressure in the closing stages to beat promising newcomer Eastern Bloc by 1L.

'We were lucky to get the drop of rain which was certainly a help. I will step him up in trip and may look at the Listed Ballyroan Stakes in Leopardstown,' said trainer Michael Grassick.

The Grassick/McCullagh partnership were denied a quick double in the mile and a half handicap as Sunshine Guest was foiled by the strong late run of Common Parsons.

Amy Parsons, recording her second success in just over 48 hours and fourth career win, was seen to good effect as she weaved Tom McCourt's charge between horses to score by 3/4L.

'The mile was a bit sharp for him at Galway last week and he needs either a stiff ten furlongs or an easy mile and a half. The 10lb claim was a big help and Amy gave him a good ride.'

'We'll probably freshen him up and go for something similar in a few weeks,' said McCourt.

Striking, available at evens early in the betting shops but very well supported to go off the 4/11 favourite, gave punters few worries in the seven furlongs maiden.

Kieren Fallon's mount quickened up nicely approaching the furlong pole and appeared to have plenty in hand when beating Avoca Dancer by a length.

Poker Pal (Ruby Walsh) missed a date at Doncaster Sales tomorrow to go for the beginners chase, and the 9yo boosted his value with a hard-earned length and a half win over Legendsofthefall.

'It's a pity he wasn't in the sale on Thursday. He's still on the market and will make a nice handicapper for someone,' said Tony Martin.

Walsh later completed a double when Kit Carson headed the front-running Star Horse before the last to take the winners chase by 3 1/2L.

Legendsofthefall's partner Joey Elliott was suspended two days for improper riding after edging right onto the winner between the final two fences.

Galway Plate hero Roger Loughran was again on the mark when getting Irish Stream home a length ahead of Ichi Beau in the handicap chase.

Alan Magee