McDonogh shines on King's Vow in two-mile feature

Stepping up to two miles for the first time , King’s Vow (13/2) ran out a good winner of the Fundraise At Dundalk Stadium Handicap for Joseph O’Brien and Declan McDonogh.

The Frankel gelding was slowly into stride as is his wont, but in a steadily-run affair, McDonogh moved him closer to the pace before halfway and he was ready to pounce in the home straight.

He won by three lengths from Guild (33/1), with Miss Snossyboots (9/2) three quarters of length further away in third.

The 2/1 favourite, and stablemate of the winner, Irradiate raced too freely and finished fifth.

This was a third career success for the winner, a nursery winner on the polytrack at two before winning at Leopardstown last year.

His best run was when beaten only a neck in the Magner’s Ulster Derby at Down Royal last June, and this was his third run back from a break.

Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: “It's nice to get his head back in front.

“He ran well over a mile-and-a-half here last time. The race didn't really go right from him tonight, as he wants a strong gallop, but he was good enough on the day.

“He stays very well. He was gelded there a while back and I think that's probably made a difference to him. Hopefully it's onwards and upwards from here.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson