Mantis makes winning start for McGuinness Praying Mantis made a winning start for Ado McGuinness and successful return to these shores when claiming the first division of the Pat Smullen Coast To Curragh Cycle Handicap over seven furlongs at Gowran Park. The Epaulette mare had won at Thirsk in late June before being picked up by current connections and their investment paid off straight away. Adam Caffrey tracked the leaders before challenging on the inner passing the two pole. His mount was in front a furlong-and-a-half out and despite drifting to her left kept on strongly to record a length-and-three-quarter success over Cherub Rock. McGuinness said:- “She was a very cheap purchase in Newmarket for four grand. She’s won around here before and had solid enough form before losing her way a bit. “She did that well enough and you won’t see her again until Laytown. Mark Devlin and the lads just love Laytown. She’s a fun horse and Adam gave her a great ride.” (Quotes by Alan Magee)
