'You'll want your woolies on!' - beach boy McGuinness relishing Laytown return

Cancelled last year because of Covid-19, Laytown once again puts out the bunting and welcomes fans back to the beach for its unique once-a-year bash.

For all that the meeting’s new place in the calendar will need some getting used to, some things remain the same with Ado McGuinness, one of the most successful trainers at the track, holding a host of strong claims.

McGuinness, who will soon be jetting off to the sun in California when his stable star A Case Of You runs at the Breeders’ Cup, has trained seven winners at Laytown, a fine record against the ten Dermot Weld has enjoyed.

Laytown runners and riders

The fact the Dublin-based trainer uses the beach on a daily basis is a distinct advantage and he said: "The horses we're bringing to Laytown this year have solid chances. War Hero is solid. He runs in the claimer [3.20] and has run well at Laytown before so we'd be hoping for the best with him.

"Eglish runs in the six-furlong handicap [2.20] and then we have Skontonovski in the seven-furlong qualified riders' handicap [3.50]. They either take to Laytown or they don't, and you want a horse who handles good ground."

Ado McGuinness: three runners for the trainerCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The six-race card starts at 1.50 and McGuinness added: "Eglish was unlucky at Dundalk last time, but she gets to run off her [lower] turf mark, so hopefully she goes close. Barry O'Neill rides Skontonovski and he has solid claims as well.

"We use the beach a lot but we never gallop them on it. We use the beach to canter them or to give them a swim, so they are used to the environment and the surface. It's an advantage.

"Laytown is a great place to have a winner. It will be a bit different this year – you'll want your woolies on!"

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