Dawn rises to the challenge in Loughbrown Stakes

Dawn Rising battled to success in the Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes as part of a treble for Dylan Browne McMonagle at the Curragh.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien and owned by JP McManus, the Galileo seven-year-old has taken part in some high-class contests both over hurdles and on the Flat.

Third in the Grade One Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle in 2023 and then third in the Irish St Leger later the same year, the bay has been a consistent and versatile performer for the yard.

Last seen finishing a good fifth in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket, he was a 6-4 shot under McMonagle at Group Three level at the Curragh.

He was ridden patiently as Aidan O’Brien’s Lily Hart led, but as the race progressed Dawn Rising began to reel her in and was resolute to take a half-length success.

Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, said: “He was good and tough. He ran a good race in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and this race suited him as they went a good pace and he stayed on best up the straight.

“Hopefully he’ll be back for those sorts of races next year and he’s run at Royal Ascot the last couple of years.

“The handicapper may have caught up with him a bit, but he’ll be competitive in those Group Threes.

“It’s hard to get those sort of horses. He doesn’t mind the ground, whether it is good or heavy, and hasn’t lost any of his enthusiasm.”

McMonagle’s afternoon started on a high note when he teamed up with Joseph O’Brien to take the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden aboard Kibris at 5-1 and in the Curragh On Course Bookmakers Premier Handicap, he was the winner aboard Mark Fahey’s 14-1 chance Rhythm King.