Lord Dudley and Declan McDonogh© Photo Healy Racing
Lord Dudley confirmed the promise of his previous third at Naas back in March when opening his account in the Boyle Handicap at Roscommon.
The 9/2 favourite was prominent throughout under Declan McDonogh before just holding on in the closing stages.
The Kieran Cotter-trained gelding and Breagagh set a blistering pace up front and the pair were well clear of the remainder entering the straight.
Breagagh dropped away in the final furlong to eventually finish sixth but Lord Dudley kept on under pressure to score by a fast diminishing half a length. Cisco Disco came from an unpromising position two furlongs out to take the runner-up spot, with first reserve New Hill a further three quarters of a length away in third.
Cotter said, “We’re delighted with that and he’s progressed from his last run. He’s very headstrong and I was a bit worried when he got taken on and they pulled six or eight lengths clear.
“He just held on and Declan thinks we should go back to six furlongs with him. Hopefully he can win another one or two.
“Roscommon is not the place that you want to be stopping but in fairness he hung on. He’s a child’s horse at home but once you put a saddle on him he wants to go.
“He didn’t turn great around here and a straight six might suit him.
“I’m glad for the Kildare Racing Club as they supported me a good few years ago.”
