Ever Present and McGuane gaining prominence together

The Dun Laoghaire (Q.R.) Maiden, the nightcap at Leopardstown, saw an impressive performance from Jessica Harrington’s bumper horse, Ever Present on his Flat debut.

Owned and bred by Mrs Patino, the Elusive Pimpernel gelding has really helped to get the name of amateur rider Mikey McGuane out there, and his two wins have now come aboard the youngster, who competed here at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.

This evening the 6/1 victor chased the leaders and he was sixth at the halfway stage.

Ever Present travelled well in fourth entering the straight and he was ridden to challenge a furlong and a half out.

Leading over a furlong out, Mrs Harrington’s charge kept on strongly in the final furlong to comfortably account for Monas Melody by six lengths.

“He really wants that nice ground. He travelled very well through the race and I was going very well everywhere,” said McGuane.

“I gave him half a squeeze turning in and I knew I’d loads left. When I went for him he picked up smartly and won very well in the end.”

The Stewards fined Andrew McNamara, trainer, €65 for failing to cheek pieces to Tipping Point prior to entering the parade ring. The horse was subsequently withdrawn by order of the Stewards as a pair of cheek pieces could not be located.

(AM & EM)