TRAMORE may have had its Cheltenham and Aintree heroes on parade last Sunday but Dundalk had its own legend in Togoville.

The grey gelding was recently retired after winning a record 14 races at the all-weather track during his nine-year racing career.

Aged 11, Togoville was trained in Monaghan at Shabra Stables by Anthony McCann. He is owned by prominent Armagh businessman Patrick McCann.

Togoville recorded what were to be his final three wins on three successive Fridays in February of this year. Those victories saw his handicap mark jump from 65 to 86 and connections felt it was time to draw stumps. His trainer said: “We gave him a run in an 85-rated race a couple of weeks ago and he found it hard to go with them.

“The spark seems to be there, but he doesn’t have the legs for it anymore and we couldn’t live with ourselves if he was injured. After discussing it with Patrick we decided that now is the time to allow him to enjoy the retirement he thoroughly deserves.

“He has crept too far back up the handicap and we want to do what’s best for him. He will be retired to Patrick’s farm – he bought him as a yearling 10 years ago at Tattersalls Ireland and he is so proud of what he’s achieved.”

Since moving to Anthony McCann’s yard, Togoville has won seven times. The horse memorably gave Pat Smullen what was to be his final winner in March 2016. It was a four-runner conditions race and he beat the 100-rated Primo Uomo by half a length.

McCann recalled: “We didn’t think it was going to be his day. He stumbled out of the stalls and himself and Primo Uomo took each other on coming up the straight, but he just stayed on better.”

“It was a fantastic win and at the time, back in 2018, we never dreamed it would be Pat’s last winner. He was a true gentleman. He only rode for me a couple of times and was always so professional. He treated me the same as everyone else. It didn’t matter that I was Anthony McCann, I was given the same respect as if I was Dermot Weld – and I will always remember that about him.”

Togoville was not just a one-trick pony as he also won at Roscommon and Laytown. He will be missed in Shabra Stables.

“Everyone gets on with him,” said McCann. “He can be a grumpy so-and-so if he doesn’t get his own way.

“When he does though, he will click for you. He’s been a very good servant to me and I’m so happy that he is retiring in full health back to a wonderful home at Brookland Stables with Patrick and his family.”

Jim Martin, Dundalk Stadium CEO, paid tribute to the horse. “We were delighted to make a presentation to Togoville and his connections at our Winter Finals meeting.

“He has been both a mainstay and a legend at Dundalk Stadium since his first win back in January 2015. What he achieved in February of this year was remarkable for a horse of his age.

“It is a credit to the team at Shabra and to Anthony to have a horse who could return time and time again and be so competitive. It is wonderful to see a horse like Togoville retire at the top of his game.”

Togoville by numbers

8

different jockeys who won on him

13

placings at Dundalk

14

wins at Dundalk

16

wins

56

number of runs at Dundalk

96

highest winning rating

100

highest rating

365 furlongs / 45.6 miles

distance he has raced around Dundalk