Dawn Rising fought hard to secure victory in the Comer Group International Loughbrown Stakes at the Curragh, marking the centrepiece of a treble for jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Trained by Joseph O’Brien and owned by JP McManus, the seven-year-old Galileo gelding has proven versatile, competing at high levels both on the Flat and over hurdles.
A consistent performer, Dawn Rising placed third in the 2023 Grade One Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle and in the Irish St Leger. Most recently, he finished a respectable fifth in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket. Sent off at 6-4 in the Group Three Loughbrown Stakes, McMonagle patiently positioned him behind the leader, Aidan O’Brien’s Lily Hart. As the field entered the closing stages, Dawn Rising rallied to capture victory by a half-length.
Frank Berry, racing manager for McManus, remarked, "He showed real toughness. His Cesarewitch run was strong, and this race suited him perfectly with its strong pace. He’s always competitive in Group Threes and adaptable to any ground conditions. We hope he’ll return for similar races next year, as he’s still enthusiastic."
McMonagle’s day of success began with a win aboard Kibris in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden for Joseph O’Brien, followed by a victory on Mark Fahey’s Rhythm King in the Curragh On Course Bookmakers Premier Handicap at 14-1, rounding off a memorable treble at the Curragh.