McDonogh helps de Bromhead to big Flat win

There was an opening race Tipperary brace to add to his Bellewstown two-timer from last night for Declan McDonogh as he took out Listed race honours in the Kilfrush Stud Abergwaun Stakes on three-year-old filly Gorane

This was a famous success for Henry de Bromhead with the Clipper Logistics Group Ltd-owned daughter of Dream Ahead.

McDonogh was always to the fore on Comhghairdeas in the first for Andy Slattery, and he didn't deviate too much from those tactics as Gorane eventually beat Snowstar by half a length.

After the 89/1 brace for the former champion jockey, de Bromhead said: "I can't say enough about the rider as it was a fantastic ride. She got a bit lost coming out of the stalls but when she got into her rhythm she has a great big stride on her. It was a super ride to save that little bit at the end.

"I was keen to try running her on soft today and delighted to get it for Clipper Logistics.

"Soft ground is definitely not a minus - it doesn't look like it from that anyway and over five (furlongs) it might even help her a little.

"We'll see now - she's in (the Flying Five Stakes) at the Curragh in ten days but we'll see what her owners want to do. It's my first Stakes winner on the Flat and it's unreal, brilliant."

The Stewards informed Barry John Murphy, trainer that Spirit Quartz would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

(TW & EM)