FRIDAY evening’s meeting at Dundalk featured a notable achievement when Togoville became the first horse to record 10 wins on the all-weather track.

The grey came through with a strong run in the final furlong under 7lb claimer Andrew Slattery as commenator Jerry Hannon cried: “It’s Togoville for the 10!”

He took the €15,990 to the winner six-furlong handicap by a length and a quarter. He had won the same race back in 2017 and finished second last year.

Togoville came to Anthony McCann’s yard in September 2017. Speaking to the trainer this week, we asked if he was confident of the win?

“My horses always run on their merits. In January he missed the break and in a five-furlong race it’s very hard to come back from. Two weeks later he ran a decent race but just faded in the final furlong”. The SP of 33/1 reflects his sentiment.

After two wins and two seconds in late 2017 and early 2018 Togoville suffered a bit of a loss in form.

McCann said: “We decided to give him a break and try and make him feel like he was in a new yard, changed his box and bedding from shavings to paper. I just think he needed a bit of time and a complete change.”

Togoville had some health issues in the past, but it was nothing too serious, and more paddock time helped rejuvenate the gelding.

McCann also revealed that he now uses Equissage, a handheld massager that seems to help. Eddie O’Connell started riding him out every morning at the start of January and has really clicked with him, although McCann says “anyone could ride him, he’s the easiest horse to train”.

BACK IN ACTION

Togoville was due to run in Dundalk last night (Friday) over a mile. Although McCann says six furlongs is best for him, he doesn’t see why he couldn’t run as well again and is getting 7lbs off from Andrew Slattery. He may try the turf in the future.

“He’s a stone lighter on the turf. I know he hasn’t really taken to it before but he’s in the best form I’ve seen him in, so we might try him over hurdles again and see”

McCann expressed his gratefulness, not just for this horse but his staff and support/connections.

“It’s my name on the licence but it’s down to the whole team, absolutely everyone” he continues “and I want to thank Patrick McCann. To have horse like him in the yard makes all the difference. That’s four wins he’s had for me, not to mention all his placings.”