Rock On Aidan and Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
Old allies trainer Ado McGuinness and jockey Declan McDonogh combined to win the second division of the Dundalk Stadium Business Club Handicap at Dundalk today with Rock On Aidan who bolted up when justifying very strong market support.
The five year old son of Fastnet Rock was today racing from a lowly 48 rating but has previously shown form when finishing second over course and distance on January 3.
Today, Rock On Aidan, backed from 7/4 to 11/10 favourite on track, raced prominently throughout and once sent to the front in the straight, went well clear of his rivals to score emphatically by three and three parts of a length from Newgirlintown
Trainer McGuinness had a smaller yard when supplying McDonogh with 15 winners, from a total haul of 89 wins, for the jockey's Championship winning 2006 season and following today's win, McGuinness reported “it's a while since Declan rode a winner for me; we had a lot of success together so it's great.
“That's my first winner for Micky Smith (owner) and his half-sister also won here before Christmas.It's great for all involved.
“He's a gorgeous big horse, he was quite weak when we got him even though he's a five-year-old; he wouldn't have been out of place in the parade ring ahead of the Thyestes, he's that big.
“I think we'll have plenty of fun with him during the summer. We might try him once more here and see what the handicapper gives us.
“We'll probably jump a hurdle with him later in the summer as well.
“He has a lot of ability and he should progress more because he's big and strong. Fastnet Rocks need a little bit of time.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
