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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Oriole flies home for the McMonagles

Sat 3rd Aug 2024, 17:59

Oriole scores in the Donegal colours
Oriole scores in the Donegal colours
© Photo Healy Racing

The Natalia Lupini-trained Oriole (7/1) was a two-length winner of the McDonogh Capital Investments Handicap. 

Held up in mid-division by Dylan Browne McMonagle, the daughter of Nathaniel made headway on the outer to get into contention on the approach to the straight and led under a furlong out to beat Alpha Capture  

The 11/10 favourite Toll Stone a winner at the festival the previous evening, was unable to land a blow on this occasion.

The winning rider, whose family, including his father John, are part of the successful In For The Crack Syndicate, said: "She has been hitting the crossbar a little so it is nice to get her head in front for us. Natalia had her spot on for us today and has done a good job with her.

"She just needed some luck and to get a clean run in the straight and she quickened up well when I got her out. She hit the line well and gets that trip. I think she could be a bit better on nicer ground so there are plenty of positives."

Quotes from Tom Weekes

1st
7/1
Tote €8.90 €1.80
2nd
2L
15/2
€1.80
3rd
2L
7/1
€1.80
4th
2.75L
40/1
bf
shd
11/10Fav
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.