Michael McDonagh
Michael McDonagh
Michael McDonagh
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Michael McDonagh had only five mounts during the 1951/52 National Hunt season but was successful on one of them.
Michael McDonagh had only five mounts during the 1951/52 National Hunt season but was successful on one of them.
His first ride, at Newton Abbot on September 5, 1951, ended in a fall from Irish Lady in the Manaton Selling Handicap Hurdle, and it was not until May 1, 1952, that he had his one win when Golden Sparkle took the Caynham Selling Handicap Hurdle at Ludlow.
His first ride, at Newton Abbot on September 5, 1951, ended in a fall from Irish Lady in the Manaton Selling Handicap Hurdle, and it was not until May 1, 1952, that he had his one win when Golden Sparkle took the Caynham Selling Handicap Hurdle at Ludlow.
Owned and trained by Alec Kilpatrick at Collingbourne Ducis, the seven-year-old started at 20-1, which was not surprising as he had not been placed in his six previous starts that season, stable jockey Bert Morrow having been the man on board for the first five. Michael had had his first opportunity on Golden Sparkle at Stratford seven days earlier and at least managed to finish fifth of the 16 runners.
Owned and trained by Alec Kilpatrick at Collingbourne Ducis, the seven-year-old started at 20-1, which was not surprising as he had not been placed in his six previous starts that season, stable jockey Bert Morrow having been the man on board for the first five. Michael had had his first opportunity on Golden Sparkle at Stratford seven days earlier and at least managed to finish fifth of the 16 runners.
Given another chance at Ludlow, he sent Golden Sparkle to the lead two flights from home and stayed on to beat Mr Moon, the mount of Vic Speck, by two lengths. The gelding was sold at the post-race auction for 170 guineas to Mr H.J. (John) Manners, described many years later in his Daily Telegraph obituary as “one of the great eccentrics of the turf”. Manners rode the horse four times without success.
Given another chance at Ludlow, he sent Golden Sparkle to the lead two flights from home and stayed on to beat Mr Moon, the mount of Vic Speck, by two lengths. The gelding was sold at the post-race auction for 170 guineas to Mr H.J. (John) Manners, described many years later in his Daily Telegraph obituary as “one of the great eccentrics of the turf”. Manners rode the horse four times without success.
As for Michael McDonagh, he held a licence for one more season and had his final ride on Polygamy, who was brought down in the Maiden Chase at Chepstow on March 21, 1953.
As for Michael McDonagh, he held a licence for one more season and had his final ride on Polygamy, who was brought down in the Maiden Chase at Chepstow on March 21, 1953.
Michael McDonagh's solitary win came on Golden Sparkle at Ludlow