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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Roman Bull gives O'Meara Dundalk double

Wed 12th Jul 2023, 17:56

Roman Bull gave trainer Michael William O Meara a double on the cardRoman Bull gave trainer Michael William O Meara a double on the card
© Photo Healy Racing

Trainer Michael O'Meara enjoyed an afternoon to remember at Dundalk when his Roman Ball followed up the earlier success of Bobby K to win the concluding Family Fun Day Tuesday August 15th Handicap.

Although placed a number of times at this track last winter, it was the first time that the five-year-old got his head in front on the surface.

His sole previous win in 14 starts had come on the turf at Clonmel last September.

The Teofilo gelding had been disappointing on his reappearance at the Curragh recently but there were mitigating factors on that occasion as he got loose beforehand.

Jake Coen kept it simple here, tracking the leaders during the early stages before producing his mount to challenge down the outside early in the straight. Once getting to the lead, the gelding stayed on well to win snugly.

Michael O'Meara said: "My first double.

"He had a cauterised palate a while back, so we were just hoping he wasn't holding his breath again. He travelled well everywhere.

"He always ran a good race up here and just got a bit fresh at the Curragh the last day. He obviously needed the run as well.

"He'll be up here for the winter."

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.