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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Princess completes doubles for Ryan and O'Callaghan

Fri 29th Sep 2023, 20:39

James Ryan registered the first double of his career when winning the last two races at Dundalk. James Ryan registered the first double of his career when winning the last two races at Dundalk.
© Photo Healy Racing

James Ryan and Michael O'Callaghan, both successful in their own right earlier on the card, teamed up to win the second division of the Dual Racing Friday Nights Handicap at Dundalk.

The winning jockey was completing a clean sweep in this race, having won the first divide on Celtic Revival just over half-an-hour earlier. It was also the first double of his career.

O'Callaghan, meanwhile, had sent out first and second, Darkdeserthighway and Rockbury Lad in the mile handicap.

In what turned into a battle of the "princesses" it was O'Callaghan's Sioux9Princess) who emerged victorious after getting the better of the Ger Lyons trained market leader Fairytale(Princess).

The latter was always prominent under treble seeking Colin Keane, taking over at the head of the field early in the straight. Ryan tracked his main market rival at every juncture, delivering his charge with a strong challenge to lead close home

Michael O'Callaghan said: "She's a filly with a load of ability and I think the track up here suits her. She runs well here and the surface suits her, and a mile and a-half around here is probably just her trip.

"James gave her a lovely ride and the application of blinkers has just got her to put her head in front.

"He is (riding with confidence), he gave the horse in the race before a lovely ride and he gave her a lovely ride. I think he is a young lad going places.

"It is nice to give him a winner and his claim is valuable."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.