Jose Echegaray and Declan McDonogh see off Ontheiflist and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Following on from Creggs Pipes and Planchart's heroics at Galway there was further success for Andy Slattery and Declan McDonogh at Sligo this evening when Josie Echegaray (11/4) took the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Auction Maiden (Plus 10 Race).
McDonogh bustled Jose Echegaray into a prominent position from his outside draw and he got the better of Ontheiflist by three lengths.
"That was grand, that was the plan. I've had this race in mind for a while," said Slattery.
"He ran a grand race in Tipperary and then the owner wanted a runner in Galway and he needed that run as he was still green early on.
"Nothing went right in Galway, which was a better race. He was slow at the start and was slow again today.
"He's still a bit backward and could be okay. He just needs to learn. He's a good tough horse and will stay further. I'd say he'll be a mile-and-a-quarter horse next year.
"He probably needs gelding as well looking at his antics today.
"He carries the Buck House colours as his owner Michael Quinlan is a son-in-law of Michael Purcell."
(GC & EM)
