Magnetic North and Adam Caffrey won for trainer Ado McGuinness and groom Ciara Robinson © Photo Healy Racing
Five-time winner Magnetic North recorded his second success under Adam Caffrey when overcoming a wide draw in the Donnybrook Apprentice Handicap at Leopardstown.
Formerly in the care of Sheila Lavery, the eight-year-old won twice since joining Ado McGuinness but had been on a long losing run in recent times.
The Dooley Thoroughbreds owned gelding didn't appear to have a straightforward task from stall 18 in this big field handicap but Caffrey had his mount away smartly, tracking the pace setting Nusra in the early stages.
With the latter beginning to tire over two furlong out, Caffrey led into the straight, holding enough in reserve to see off a host of late challenges.
“I think the ground is the key factor. When he was a younger horse you would have said he wanted a bit of cut but he didn't want it today,” said McGuinness.
“We weren't going to run him but I just felt that this track would suit and the trip as well.
“He's in again at Roscommon on Monday and he might be declared.
“The last time he won Adam rode his first winner on him, last year in Navan. He's a great fun horse.
“I'd say the boys will sell him now at some stage as they have a lot of horses and he's not going to be a premier handicap horse.
“Adam did a great job on him there. He's the type of horse that will come out some days and run a really good race and other days he'll let you down. He definitely wants nice ground.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
