Hearts Are Trumps puts broad smile on McDonogh’s face

After his one two with Elimay and Demi Plie earlier, and victory over at Haydock with Vision Du Puy, there was further J P McManus success in the featured Grade A RYBO Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Gold and silver medals were secured for the ‘green and gold’ through Hearts Are Trumps (12/1) and Magic Tricks (7/1).

Jody McGarvey rode Hearts Are Trumps for Des McDonogh whilst Mark Walsh was aboard Magic Tricks (ponderous at the last) for Denise Foster.

Half a length separated them at the line.

McDonogh won the equivalent race in 1976 with Monksfield and again in 1985 with Herbert United and he commented: “He deserved that. He's a smashing horse.

“He's very professional and jumped great. You can see the muck on his heels there and he'd even like it better.

“The ground made a huge difference today. He even went to Listowel after Galway last year and he was dead in the straight.

“He's the only horse I have around the place, I have ten in.”

The Galway Hurdle is again on the agenda and McDonogh added:-

“He might have a run on the Flat. He ran well in a maiden at Thurles when he was fourth. We could look at a mile-and-a-half and he could even go two miles on the Flat.

“If he arrives in Galway in the same form as that it'll do.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Eclair De Beaufeu (FR), trained by Mrs Denise Foster, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(GC & EM)