Declan McDonogh has endured a curious year in racing but will be more than happy with events in recent weeks, completing a double at The Curragh today on the Jim Gorman trained C'Est Ma Souer in the Curragh Training Grounds Handicap.

Following today's win, locally based Gorman stated “she (C'Est Ma Souer) has been running well all year and just couldn't handle the ground at Listowel. She's a tough genuine filly though and had been working great since.

“She's in at Cork on Saturday and Navan next week and we'll probably strike while the iron is hot; fillies at this time of year tend to come into form.

“She's beautifully bred but won't be heading to the paddocks just yet and could go to Dundalk during the winter.”

McDonogh was partnering his 38th winner of the season but the former Champion Jockey can still reflect on a roller-coaster year and wonder 'what just happened?' when the season concludes, and his retainer with the Aga Khan ends, next month.

McDonogh's mounts were hopelessly out of form for much of the season and as a result of accepting the Aga Khan retainer, then missed the ride on Group 1 Matron Stakes winner La Collina. The former Champion Jockey did salvage Group 1 glory though, albeit from an unlikely source, on Barry Lalor trained Maarek in the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp this month.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson