Tonkinese (Dylan Browne McMonagle, near-side) beats Raphael (Gavin Ryan)© Photo Healy Racing
Dylan Browne McMonagle rode his first winner since early November when taking the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Claiming Race on Tonkinese at Dundalk.
The hugely promising apprentice was injured in a car crash in the interim, and the Donegal youngster has only been back race riding in the last couple of weeks.
With first-time blinkers on and in at a claiming price of 5,000 Euros, Tonkinese, who stays a lot further than this extended mile and a quarter, was always looking good after being smartly away from his stall sixteen draw. Raphael threatened big danger in the final quarter mile, but the Joseph O’Brien-trained Tonkinese was much too strong inside the final furlong and he went on to triumph by three and a quarter lengths.
“He was put in at the right weight and that made the difference,” said O’Brien’s representative Brendan Powell.
“That trip is too short for him but the weight gave him every chance to win.”
Dylan Browne McMonagle broke his nose, got plates in his jaw after breaks on both sides, broke his foot and his shoulder, and a few teeth in the accident. He reflected — “it was a lucky escape for how bad a smash it was. We’re out the other side of it and hopefully we’ll learn from it.”
Tonkinese (reportedly 56 claims in) went to Aengus King and Raphael after a friendly claim went back to Ado McGuinness.
Meanwhile other exchanges were Point Reyes to Jack Davison, Mutadaawel to Nigel Slevin, Majestic Jewel to Andrew McNamara, Ampeson to Pat Murphy and Muraahin to Johnny Levins.
At the request of the Stewards, Kyanna Van Buuren, rider of Muraahin (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount hung badly in the home straight. She got stuck behind another runner and held her position there as she felt that she wouldn't be strong enough to hold her mount if he hung further.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Muraahin (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(GC & EM)
