Age no cage for McDonogh's ambitions

HRI FEATURE

Still attached to a big stable; still riding winners; still at the top of his game; still the ultimate professional.

Over three decades have passed since a 16-year-old Declan McDonogh steered Aine's Pet to victory for his father Des in a sprint handicap at Leopardstown and, in the 31 years that have followed, the Moynalty native has stamped himself down as one of Ireland's top Flat riders.

The highlight, of course, was back in 2006 when he was crowned champion jockey. He rode a staggering 89 winners in Ireland that year to claim the coveted title, a phenomenal achievement which included huge pay days like the Goffs Million at the Curragh on Miss Beatrix and Mustameet winning the Royal Whip Stakes.

McDonogh has celebrated six Group 1 victories during a glorious career. The first of those arrived way back in 2002 when he teamed up with the late, great Kevin Prendergast to land the Tattersalls Gold Cup on Rebelline.

Prendergast also supplied McDonogh with his next three top-level successes thanks to Termagant in the 2009 Moyglare Stakes, Kingsfort in the 2009 National Stakes and La Collina in the 2011 Phoenix Stakes; while the mud-loving Mareek was Group 1 win number five in the Prix de l'Abbaye on Arc day in 2013.

His most recent Group 1 triumph was courtesy of Joseph O'Brien as McDonogh gave Thunder Moon a peach of a ride to land the 2020 National Stakes.

O'Brien is enjoying an annus mirabilis in 2026 and McDonogh has played a pivotal role in the success story with big wins on the likes of Beset, Trustyourinstinct and Star Performer.

How fitting, too, that his 1000th winner, a significant milestone, arrived at his local track Navan back in 2018 when he scored on the Dermot Weld-trained Broad Street.

Age hasn't come close to catching up with McDonogh and he remains as hungry as ever.

Asked for his idol growing up, he swiftly replied: "Steve Cauthen."

And, as regards a horse to follow in 2027, he was in no doubt whatsoever and opted for Saturday's impressive Dewhurst winner, Darkness Falls who is now favourite for next year's Derby.

"I actually rode Darkness Falls in a piece of work before he ever ran and he gave me a smashing feel," McDonogh said. "I knew that day he was going to be a top horse and he would definitely be my horse to follow for 2027 on the Flat."

This feature is brought to you by Navan Racecourse and Fairyhouse. Click on the links for tickets and more details.