Cherry Pink notched her first career victory in just her second start for trainer Adrian McGuinness, claiming Division II of the Gibneys Malahide Handicap at Bellewstown.
After a promising sixth-place finish on her debut for the stable at Dundalk earlier this month, the four-year-old improved significantly to secure her first win at the 19th attempt.
Ridden by Adam Caffrey and starting as an 18/1 chance, Cherry Pink, representing Mrs. Hazel McGuinness, made a decisive move down the stands' side with a furlong to go. She overtook Royal Tribute in the final stretch and held on to win by a length and a quarter.
Trainer Ado McGuinness commented, "It's challenging to plan with these horses. This was only her second run for me after buying her from Michael Halford. She wasn't very expensive, but these horses can be a lot of fun."
He added, "She was a low-cost acquisition, but someone suggested she could be worth a shot. She should be a good filly to watch at Dundalk this winter—she's strong and attractive."
McGuinness also noted, "She'll definitely go to Laytown beach. I'll have three or four, maybe five, horses there. I believe she won comfortably and hope the handicapper isn’t too harsh on her. Adam gave her a great ride, and the win was much needed."