Gary Carson
Algonquin springs shock in Dundalk opener
Algonquin (far-side) beats Sacrificial
© Photo Healy Racing
Algonquin sprang a 20/1 shock in the opener at Dundalk when battling to a narrow success in the seven-furlong colts and geldings maiden.
The Jim Bolger-trained colt had finished mid-division on his debut at the Curragh at the end of August and stepped forward nicely from that run.
There were four in with a shout a furlong out and it was Rory Cleary's mount who edged it in the closing stages by a short-head from 4/6 favourite Sacrificial
The strong head wind proved tough going for the juveniles and Cleary said afterwards:-
“He stuck at it well. He travelled nicely into the straight and picked up well. Hopefully he goes on and improves.
“He showed a bit first time and improved a nice bit. He'll be a nice horse next year.
“The wind was strong enough and was catching them but he faced it well I thought.”