Winning rider Declan Lavery© Photo Healy Racing
Kilworth, Co Cork trainer Donal Dorgan recorded his first racecourse winner as his Supreme Doc made the successful transition to handicap chasing by winning the La Na Gaeilge Handicap Chase over 2m 4f under Declan Lavery (third winner of the new season).
The 7yo son of Dr Massini, won two point-to-point's last year at Kilmallock and Bartlemy but failed to score on five efforts between the flags this year.
However he scored on his first racecourse start at Downpatrick in March winning a Maiden Hunters Chase before he finished third to Fastey in a Hunters Chase at Tramore.
That was his last run for William O’Brien and on his first start for Donal Dorgan he finished second behind Tammys Hill at Down Royal just last Monday in a Hunters Chase.
Owned by Dorgan’s brother Declan, the bay gelding was well supported from his opening show of 4/1 and was returned the 11/4 favourite.
Having chased the leaders for much of the contest he travelled well and progressed as they approached the straight.
He was second at the third last and hit the front before the last staying on well on the run-in to score by a comfortable three and a half lengths from Claragh Native for Arthur Moore and Andrew McNamara back in second at 8/1. Oscar Barton completed the placings a further half a length back in third under Mick Darcy for Paul Flynn.
Winning trainer Donal Dorgan said afterwards: "I have four horses in training at the moment. He is a nice horse and is improving all the time. He might have a break now."
Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes
