18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

McAteer gets a kick out of Decorated Guest

Decorated Guest, near side, gets the better of Buenaventura, far sideDecorated Guest, near side, gets the better of Buenaventura, far side
© Photo Healy Racing

Decorated Guest came home best of all to spring a 14/1 surprise in the 1m4f handicap at Dundalk.

He stayed on for Wesley Joyce a furlong and a half out and soon moved into contention.

The pair got on top close home to win by three parts of a length from Buenaventura (7/2).

Trainer Liam McAteer said: "He did (come home best) and he travelled and he got a grand ride. He's (Wesley Joyce) a good claimer and he held him there fourth or fifth. He travelled into the straight really well.

"He will make a lovely three-year-old hurdler, he has a wonderful temperament.

"Mr Cosgrove is a seller so he will be sold at the Sales, the May or July Sale. He will run before that, he might run next week in Cork over 1m2f. It might be a little bit short for him but if he's okay he could go there.

"I was expecting him to run real well tonight because he was only three lengths behind Mr Weld's horse (Haroya) in Navan and he was staying on up the hill really well.

"Jack Kearney rode him who rides out for me and he said to me to run him in Dundalk over 1m4f. I have been waiting for 1m4f.

"It is nice to see the horse win because he is by a stallion (Decorated Knight) who will take a little bit of time.

"Mr Cosgrove had horses with me for a good many years when I was training before and I'm delighted for him. I gave up training for about nine or 10 years and only started back last year.

"I have five in training and I'm loving it. I got a real kick out of that."

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.