McGuinness records first Listed success

Trainer Ado McGuinness registered his first flat Listed winner today at Cork as his Galway festival winner Current Option won the Listed Platinum Stakes under in-form jockey Gavin Ryan.

McGuinness had held a trainers' license since 2000 and has trained 300-odd winners but today notched a first winner at Stakes level when Current Option, winner of the Ahonoora Handicap at Galway last Sunday, scored a half length win over Soul Search

Afterwards McGuinness stated “I said he was a Stakes horse so he has proved me right; that's my first Listed winner and most horses I'd have for those races I'd usually sell, so it's great to be able to hold on to him.

He added “we weren't going to run and he was declared at the last minute as we found out Madhmoon and Sonaiyla weren't running so we said we'd give it a go. The big worry was he had two quick runs in Galway but he is tough.

“He is a smashing horse and we're going to have a lot of fun with him. He is progressing all the time and Gavin gave him a serious ride and settled him well.

“There is a Listed race in three weeks time at Leopardstown and then we'll probably find something for him on Champions Weekend and there's a Group 3 at Dundalk after that.

“He is very versatile ground-wise and I'm delighted for the lads that own him. He could go travelling later in the year, covid permitting.”