Dark Magic strikes again for Levins & O'Connor

Dark Magic has been in good form since the resumption of racing and the six-year-old recorded his second win this season when defying top-weight in division one of the TRI Equestrian Superstore & Cafe Handicap at Leopardstown.

The Johnny Levins-trained gelding also won over a mile at Naas last month and was just denied when dropping down to seven furlongs at Dundalk last time.

Donagh O’Connor elected to track the leaders on the rail from his low draw, and the 5/2 favourite quickened up between horses when switched out in the straight.

He led inside the final furlong and kept on well in the closing stages to beat Loughanlea Lass by a length and a quarter.

Reddiac ran a cracker under 10lb claimer Emma Twomey, only weakening in the closing stages to finish just a nose back in third.

Levins said, “Donagh kept it very simple. He got a nice position, got him into a nice rhythm and he kept going all the way to the line.

“This horse has been a model of consistency and it’s great to win with him at Leopardstown.

“He’ll have to go up in grade now but he’s been there before and sometimes when they get into a groove they can cope with it. He saves a bit for himself.

“The mile suits him well and I’ll probably keep him to that but I wouldn’t be afraid of going a bit further.”