After a working trip to Australia, Declan McDonogh was back in action with a bang at Dundalk tonight, taking the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap on Clebourne

Always on the front end on Darren Bunyan's charge, McDonogh got the 5/1 chance home by half a length from Patrick Joseph

The runner-up was the strongly-backed 6/4 favourite and he ultimately had every chance after dwelling at the stalls and racing towards the rear.

"Darren fancied him and said he'd be hard to beat. The trip was a bit short for him the last day," stated McDonogh.

"He jumped and travelled, is a lovely moving horse and will make a nice horse in the summer. He stuck his head out well and Pat was never getting by me.

"It's great to come back with a winner. I had a brilliant time in Australia. It was a great experience and everybody was very accommodating and helped me. I rode for all the big trainers and everything went well. It's something I'd love to do again."

The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that Dandy Sue, trained by Gerard Keane, was found to have an active skin condition when examined post race and was not accompanied by a veterinary certificate.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned, who accepted that this was the case.

Having considered the report, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Dandy Sue under the provisions of Rule 148(v) and cautioned the trainer concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.

R. Coakley, rider of Downtown Diva trained by Jack W. Davison, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right.

(AM & EM)