Bard completes double for Browne McMonagle

Dylan Browne McMonagle doubled up for boss Joseph O'Brien when Bard Of Avon ground out victory in the mile-and-a-half maiden at the Curragh.

The Galileo colt went to post 6/5 favourite having been fourth on his last visit to the course.

He tracked leader Another Night before tackling that rival early in the straight. Bard Of Avon started to assert going to the furlong pole and then held the late charge of Jack McNamara by half-a-length.

The winner was returning to the turf having been beaten at a short price in Dundalk last month.

Browne McMonagle said:- “He's a lovely big horse and he's learning with his racing.

“Up in trip and on a nice track was a big help to him. I was keen to get him out and keep him flowing from halfway because I knew that he stays well. He'll have no problem going up again.

“He was tough in the last furlong and ground it out well.

“He's very tough and genuine. He handled that ground better than I thought he would.

“He'll have no problem going as far as you want with him.”