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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

French Company continues Coogan's fine form

Wed 2nd Feb 2022, 15:24

French Company (far side) beats Hidden Land
French Company (far side) beats Hidden Land
© Photo Healy Racing

The second split of the mile-and-a-half handicap went to the Declan McDonogh-ridden French Company at odds of 10/3.

There was plenty of competition for the lead and McDonogh was content to watch on from rear of mid-division. His mount made headway on the outer from early in the straight and hit the front over a furlong out. Having been headed at that point, Hidden Land did not go down without a fight but was held by half a length at the line with Nusra a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.

The winner was twice runner-up on turf last year and had made the frame in three of his previous four starts on the polytrack so this breakthrough victory was well-merited.

Winning trainer Jimmy Coogan, saddling his fourth Dundalk winner since the turn of the year, said: “That was grand and it’s a few pound into my wife’s account so it will keep everyone happy.

“With a bit of luck he might win again if the handicapper is not too hard on him."

Quotes from Alan Magee

1st
10/3
Tote €4.90 €1.30
2nd
0.5L
25/1
€8.80
3rd
2.25L
28/1
€6.10
4th
2.5L
12/1
bf
2L
3/1Fav
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.