McDonogh's Water on the move up the ranks

The 7/2 favourite Moving Water was a snug winner of the 2m4f handicap hurdle with winning owner JP McManus on hand to enjoy the victory.

The Mastercraftsman gelding, up 9lb in the ratings for his maiden win at Wexford, was on and off the bridle but got into contention after the second-last and always looked the likeliest to prevail from that point. He edged ahead of Sweet Sting on the run-in and Mark Walsh didn't have to get overly serious with him to score by three parts of a length. Vadaly and the front-running Navigator Jack completed the frame.

Winning trainer Des McDonogh said: "The race he won in Wexford was for horses which hadn't been placed, which was a help. They went very quick today and it was his first handicap, so I'm thrilled.

"He is a gorgeous horse, we'll see what the handicapper gives him but he might go to Galway. He won't go on fast ground but they'll have nice ground there.

"It is super to have J.P. here today and I don't know what we'd do without him! He has four horses in training with me, although two are gone home on their summer holidays."

Quotes from Tom Weekes