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- McCreery & Browne McMonagle successfully combine with Helpmeout
Donal Murphy
McCreery & Browne McMonagle successfully combine with Helpmeout
Helpmeout (red) stays on best under Dylan Browne McMonagle
© Photo Healy Racing
Teaming-up for the first time, Dylan Browne McMonagle and Willie McCreery successfully combined with Helpmeout in the Follow Us On Social Media Handicap.
A dual winner last season, the Redpender Stud-owned four-year-old went down by just a head at Naas in July, but disappointed at Leopardstown on her most recent start.
Sent off an 8/1 chance this afternoon, the Mastercraftsman chestnut was given a patient ride and was in a share of last with eventual runner-up Catena Zapata on the approach to the straight.
She made good progress between horses from early in the straight and really powered home when ridden from the furlong pole, going on to score by three-parts-of-a-length.
The aforementioned Catena Zapata (12/1) also kept on to good effect, but couldn't match the winner and had to settle for second under Colin Keane for Henry de Bromhead.
Returned the joint-favourites at 3/1, Trachonitus and Something Nice were third and fourth respectively, with the latter fading inside the final furlong after attempting to make all.
"Willie said to have her comfortable and come home," the winning rider revealed.
"She was second on this ground at Naas but all her best form was on goodish ground so it was a little worrying, but she travelled around really well.
"We went good and even which played to my strengths and I was able to go where I wanted.
"I didn't go for her until the furlong pole but when I got stuck into her, she picked up well and I won nicely at the line."
He added: "That's my first ride for Willie so a massive thanks to the owners for giving me the leg up and Kevin (O'Ryan, agent) got me the ride.
"I take every day as it comes, I'm in Joseph's (O'Brien) every day and go to Ballydoyle on my Sundays off. I'm very grateful for the opportunities."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sirjack Thomas trained by Adrian McGuinness, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes