McNally back in winners enclosure with Deal

Ronan McNally was back in the winners enclosure at Dundalk today when Dreal Deal ran out a convincing winner of the two mile handicap.

The Armagh handler has recently hit the headlines due a long running IHRB investigation where his stable star had figured prominently.

On his second outing at the all-weather venue the Arvico gelding proved too strong for his rivals.

Dylan Browne McMonagle produced the 4/1 shot to lead turning for home and he soon settled matters, going on for a three-and-a-half length winning margin over Tronador

Dreal Deal had shaped with promise on his first visit here late last month when third to Cold Steel over a mile-and-a-half.

It was McNally's first winner since the success of All Class at Limerick in July.

The winning trainer didn't comment afterwards but Browne McMonagle told Racing TV:-

“I wouldn't have minded going on myself, if I had to, but I was happy to take a lead off Shane (Crosse).

“We steadied up plenty but I wasn't worried that we went slow because my horse has a bit of speed. He's won over a mile-and-a-quarter and a mile-and-a-half before and handles the surface well.

“I was never in doubt, I was comfortable all the way and it set up lovely for me. When I passed a couple of the boys off the bend he latched on, picked up well and won going away.

“He was just in a different league tonight, Ronan had him well primed. Tubs rides him out everyday and had him in good form as well.

“I was delighted for the boys as well, it was very straightforward and I'm delighted to get a winner for them.”