Golden Gate Fields presented a nine-race St. Patrick’s Day program Saturday and the first winner of the day was, naturally, Oh Molly Brannigan.

     A clear hunch play for Irish punters, Oh Molly Brannigan captured the one-mile first race in front-running fashion and paid $13.40 after fighting off Carolina Grande for a nose victory.  Vindi Princess finished third.

     Oh Molly Brannigan is trained by Andy Mathis and owned by Willow Tree Farm.  Jockey Juan Hernandez rode Oh Molly Brannigan, a 3-year-old filly who earned her second straight victory.

     Hernandez also won the featured fourth race, a 1 1/16-mile allowance contest, with Hudson Landing ($11.60), who defeated Photo Shopped and Bonfire Knight in a three-horse photo finish.  Hudson Landing won by a head over Photo Shopped, who took second by a neck over 7-to-5 favorite Bonfire Knight.

     The victory, worth $19,500, was the eighth in 27 career starts for Hudson Landing and increased the 5-year-old gelding’s earnings to $256,188.

     Hernandez had a St. Patrick’s Day riding hat trick as he also won the seventh race with Red Dog ($12.20).  

     Racing continues at Golden Gate Fields Sunday and post time is 12:45 p.m.  The feature event is the third race, a one-mile allowance test for older horses that attracted multiple stakes-winners Delightful Kiss, Northern Causeway, Positive Response, and Shudacudawudya, as well as multiple stakes-placed Live Sundays.

     Sunday is Dollar Day at Golden Gate Fields with the track offering $1 general parking, $1 general admission, $1 programs, $1 hot dogs, $1 beers, and $1 sodas.  Gates open at 10 a.m.