San Andreas and Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
Declan McDonogh came in for the spare ride on easy winner San Andreas in the Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk Race at Dundalk this evening as the former Champion Jockey filled in for apprentice jockey Hugh Horgan who is recovering from appendicitis.
Teenager Horgan, a cousin of San Andreas' trainer Joseph O'Brien, was on board the ex-Ballydoyle trained son of Dark Angel when the pair won comprehensively by six and a half lengths at the track on February 7.
Today McDonogh filled in on the four year old who brushed aside the handicapper's 11lbs ratings rise when justifying strong 5/6 favouritism and comfortably beat runner-up Laugh A Minute by four lengths.
Jockey McDonogh later commented “it’s a pity Hugh (Horgan) couldn’t ride him. He got his appendix out since he won on him the last day, and hopefully he won’t be out for too long.
“I’ve ridden him at home but it’s the first time I’ve ridden him on the track and he took me along lovely. He switched leads when he got to the first turn and he hugged the rail and did everything right.
“He lengthens and quickens, there is plenty of power behind the saddle and he obviously enjoys this place.
“Things are going well for me up here and Joseph is supporting me well which is a big factor. I’m enjoying it and it’s great to be riding winners.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
