Double for Donnacha as Days lands gamble

Top-weight Remember The Days landed a gamble in the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap, providing his rider Donnacha O'Brien with a quick double (won previous contest on Spanish Steps .

Available at 10/1 this morning, the Joseph O'Brien trained colt opened on-course at just 9/2, before going off the 7/2 market leader in the colours of owner Malih Lahej Al Basti.

Settled in second on the outer, the son of Kyllachy was ridden to challenge at the two furlong pole, and edged into a narrow lead inside the final furlong, going on to score by a head. Modern Approach (4/1) who attempted to make all, was bumped slightly by the winner inside the final furlong, and she in turn hampered Thomas O'Malley on the rail.

After a stewards enquiry there was no alteration to the judges placings, with Modern Approach (4/1) having to settle for second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger, with Thomas O'Malley (11/1) a further length and a quarter back in third.

Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "He had been running consistently well up until the last day when he was disappointing at Navan but the trip and track suited him today and Donnacha gave him a great ride.

"He's a tough horse and we'll see what the handicapper does now as I hadn't thought further than today."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Remember The Days, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed first, Modern Approach, ridden by K.J. Manning, placed second and Thomas O'Malley, ridden by Anastasia O'Brien, placed third, where it appeared interference may have taken place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alterations to the Judges placings and took no further action.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes