War Hero and Cian MacRedmond© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Ado McGuinness' War Hero made use of a lower turf rating by bagging his first win on grass today at Down Royal, landing a seventh career success in the Metcollect Handicap (div II).
The son of Declaration Of War is a six-time Dundalk all-weather winner and while he possesses an 84 rating in that sphere, had failed to win in 23 turf starts and arrived to today's race rated 65 on the turf. Apprentice jockey Cian MacRedmond steered his two most recent all-weather wins and today, the pair beat runner-up Tai Sing Yeh by two lengths.
McGuinness, present at Royal Ascot this week with three unplaced horses, was represented by assistant Stephen Thorne who later said "Cian (MacRedmond) gave him a great ride; they were going very quick early and the plan was to sit handy but he was very patient. He took the widest route but the safest route for a clean run.
"He is a good, fun horse who might be seen at the likes of Bellewstown through the summer. You run off the turf mark in Laytown so that could be a plan in September.
"It is (owner) Mark Devlin's local track, he is from Annaghmore and he is a very loyal supporter of the yard.”
Quotes from Michael Graham
