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Mantis makes winning start for McGuinness

Praying Mantis and Adam Caffrey Praying Mantis and Adam Caffrey
© Photo Healy Racing

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)

1st
10/1
Tote €11.00 €3.10
2nd
1.75L
12/1
€5.50
3rd
0.5L
7/2
€1.80
4th
3L
25/1
bf
2.25L
11/4Fav
About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.