Skontonovski another bargain buy success for McGuinness

Skontonovski was another to get up late at Cork tonight as he prevailed in the second division of the Mallow Handicap for Ado McGuinness. Florence Thompson was produced to lead a furlong from home in the seven-furlong contest but was tackled by Skontonovski in the closing stages.

Ronan Whelan drive his mount into a narrow lead close home as the 9/1 shot recorded a head success.

The winner was making his fourth outing since joining McGuinness and and was opening his account on his 15th career start.

McGuinness said:- "We bought him in July in England, he was a cheap horse (£6,500) whose form petered out.

“We ran him last time in Roscommon and he didn't seem to get home. I told Ronnie to hold on to him for as long as he could, I put a visor on and it made a big difference and Ronnie was world class.

"He is a fun horse and hopefully he will go in again. He is owned by Gary Devlin who is a good patron of mine and has War Hero and Is That Love with me. He always buys a cheap horse for fun and, if there is a beach (in Laytown) he could rock up there."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)