Eighteen previous runs had yielded five placings for Tom Dooley but he secured that all important win today in the BBQ Evening August 13th at Gowran Park Handicap.

This three-year-old only event saw Right First travel well up along the rail in the straight and she looked a potential winner when Wayne Lordan 'pushed the button.' Focas Mor was also there with her chance at the business end under Kevin Manning but Declan McDonogh got a good tune out of Tom Dooley down the outer to get up and score from his aforementioned opponents by half a length and the same.

Michael Mulvany trains the successful Dylan Thomas gelding for his father Larry and the County Meath-based handler said: "Declan said he came too early on him last week and that if he'd rode him before he would have done it differently.

"He was left with a lot to do today, turning in he was last and I thought he had no chance. He came with his run on the outside and he just got up though.

"We are learning a little bit how to ride him. I'd say he would be quirky enough and he would probably pull himself up if he hit the front too soon.

"Declan gave him a great ride and I don't know where we will go from here. He might end up at Bellewstown, our Royal Ascot, or maybe Galway over seven - one of those places."

W.J. Lee, rider of Mr Moondance trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung very badly in the straight.

P.J. Smullen, rider of Witchy Woman (GB), trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount became very fractious prior to the start and ran very free.

(DM & EM)