Empire a first Succes for 'the other Ger O'Leary'

Darragh O'Keeffe, successful on Jasko Des Dames in the opener, doubled up when Empire Succes landed the Remembering Bridget Hillis 4-y-o Maiden Hurdle. 

As was the case with his first winner, O'Keeffe made all and his mount saw off the challenge of Paul Collins after the second-last and went on to beat the staying-on Rue Taylor by a length-and-a-half. 

The son of No Risk At All, fifth in his first two starts over hurdles having finished second in a point-to-point, attracted market support this morning and shortened from 15/2 into 4/1 before the off.

Owned by the Broadfield Group Syndicate, the French-bred was a first winner for trainer Gerard O'Leary

He said: "I'm another Ger O'Leary and I have a bit of catching up to do on the other lad! I train in east Cork, between Midleton and Youghal. I'm down by the sea near Garryvoe, Ladysbridge would be the nearest village.

"I've been dealing with horses since I was young, I had ponies and rode one point-to-point winner and trained a point-to-point winner as well. It was a hobby more than anything but I'm taking it a bit more serious these days. 

"I did expect him to run well, he was in great form at home and I knew the trip today was going to suit him and that the step up would play to his strengths.

"I said to Darragh to be good and gutsy on him today because he was slow away on his last two runs. I just wanted him to bounce out and be sharper today. He looked to be really enjoying himself out in front and I'm delighted.  

"Today was the plan and I don't think he would want it extremely soft. The ground the way it was today was a bonus.  

"He is owned by a group of Irish lads living in America and one of them in a cousin of mine. I'm delighted for them, they are putting a lot of trust in me. I have five riding out at the moment with plenty of room for more."

Quotes from Donal Murphy