Halford & Carroll double-up

Michael Halford and Gary Carroll combined for a 35/1 double as Casamento followed up the success of Della'alba in the opener with a lovely performance to score on his debut in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at Tipperary.

Carroll deputising for Shane Foley (see separate story) soon had the chestnut son of Shamardal in front. He didn't have to get serious with the 54,000 Euro foal up the straight to see-off Cannon Hill by two and a half lengths.

Halford said: "He is a very nice horse and we got him the back-end of last year. He is big and still a bit babyish but we've always liked him and he's always shown plenty at home. We're just delighted to get him started.

"It wasn't the plan to make the running but Gary said he jumped well and settled in front and he picked up and stretched well. He has got plenty of size and scope and I'd expect him to come on plenty for this.

"We have him in the National Stakes and we'll have to discuss where we'll go next.

"I also have a Dubawi colt for Sheikh Mohammed. He is a May foal and not as well forward at the moment."

This represented a great start to Halford's association with Sheikh Mohammed as it was his first runner in the famous maroon and white.

Meanwhile Giant Step (as big as 7/1 this morning and returned a two) faded from two furlongs out to finish a well-beaten sixth.