Winning jockey Declan McDonogh today reflected on his “push button” ride on the Dandy Nicholls trained Sovereign Debt who gained a second successive win in the Listed TheTote.com Knockaire Stakes at Leopardstown today.

The 112 rated son of Dark Angel proven a model of consistency in his career, which has yielded over E500,000 in prizemoney, and the seven year old today quickened past Blue De Vega in the closing stages before scoring a two lengths win over that rival.

Four of Sovereign Debt’s last five wins have been gained in Ireland and while Nicholls wasn’t present, following the race McDonogh stated “he seems to like it here and the ground was lovely for him, as he just likes to get his toe in.

“He retains plenty enthusiasm even though he’s rising eight next year and he felt good today and I was always happy.

“I was able to use Michael O’Callaghan’s horse (Blue De Vega) as a lead horse and I just went by him easy. He idled a little bit but I pulled my stick into my left hand and it was never in doubt.

“He’s a gorgeous horse to ride, he’s a push button job. He lobs there on a long rein and doesn’t overdo it and when you ask him to pick up, he does plenty.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson