Doonard Prince enjoys Headquarters again

Doonard Prince (9/2f) found plenty for pressure to land the spoils in the Curragh's six furlong handicap.

The seven-year-old gelding broke away smartly from stall 26 and led throughout. The 23-runner field split into two groups with Doonard Prince racing along the stands' side rail.

He came under pressure in the last quarter of a mile and was ridden by Shane Foley approaching the final furlong. Louis Leroy edged left to join him in the final 100 yards but it was Doonard Prince who kept at it best to prevail by half a length.

Louis Leroy was second at 8/1 with Polly Douglas (20/1) and Full Shilling at 8/1 completing the places in third and fourth respectively.

Handler Ross O'Sullivan said: “It was the same conditions as last time and he loves it.

“He's one of those horses that gets on a roll. He was fresh after the last day and we just kept him fresh.

“He was really well coming into today and I'm delighted for the owner John Bowden. He's been coming here since he was 17/18 and never thought he'd have a winner here. He's after having two now.

“Shane said he idled but when the other horse got to him he battled back.

“He's better over a stiff six like here or Naas and as he's after winning two now we might end on a high note and come back again next season.”

Shane Foley added: "He has done it well. The draw is so important here - 26, out and let him stride up the rail. In fairness to him he stayed going because I thought Oisin (Orr) had me for a stride or two and he stuck his head out again."

Doonard Prince scored over course and distance when last seen in September.

The Stewards interviewed D.E. Hogan, rider of Full Shilling, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that D.E. Hogan was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency and therefore suspended him for four race days having taken his previous record into consideration.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson