Slattery in the news again

Their Prince Of Milan disappointed as market leader at Clonmel yesterday but in a week that saw former inmate Quel Esprit sample grade one glory, the Meadowview Stables of Andy Slattery were in the news again when An Saighdiur landed the www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap under Declan McDonogh.

Drawn in stall one, An Saighdiur chased the leaders here, he stayed on to lead under a furlong out and kept on well under pressure to beat Mountain Coral (doing his best work in the final furlong) by half a length. Money horses Almadaa and Tsar Paul didn't get the run of the race and had to settle for fourth and eighth respectively.

Declan McDonogh said: "I rode a few winners in Singapore and I was out there for two months. The heat there was incredible. I got married since and this is my first winner back after that."

Meanwhile Slattery commented: "He's improving and that was a tight handicap tonight, anyone could have won it.

"He is inclined to pull up when he hits the front but he is enjoying his racing and moving better this year.

"He needed a mile on the turf before but we might give him a try over six furlongs on the grass now too.

"He is in good health and we'll keep tipping away with him."

The week could get better for the Slattery team at Ascot tomorrow as another one of their 'pointing' graduates, Invictus contests the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase for Alan King and 'Choc' Thornton. (AM & EM)