First double for Orr as Twist prevails

Seven pound claimer Oisin Orr recorded the first double of his career, as he partnered Phoenix Twist (8/1) to victory in the Lougher Stable Handicap.

Successful earlier on Nora Batt the brace for Orr came in at the odds of 80/1.

Phoenix Twist, who is trained by Denise Foster, finished a close-up fifth on her last start at Leopardstown, and she was settled behind the leaders today.

She came with her challenge on the outer from the two furlong pole, and was soon ridden to the front, keeping on well inside the final furlong to hold off the challenge of Dixie Highway by half a length.

The hat-trick seeking runner-up was returned at 5/1 under Michael Hussey for Pat Flynn, while Rightdownthemiddle (10/1) was two and a half lengths back in third under Chris Hayes for Michael Mulvany. Buonarotti Boy was sent off the 3/1 favourite and he finished a very disappointing last under Pat Smullen for Gordon Elliott.

Denise Foster said afterwards: "She's a lovely mare. Oisin was saying that she travelled so well. At the end when she went on and then something came up beside her she went on again.

"She was very happy and was going very easily through the race. Billy Lee said she would win on the flat.

"She's handicapped over hurdles and she can do both now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Buonarotti Boy, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

P.J. Smullen, rider of Buonarotti Boy trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson