Johnston lands double consolation

Mark Johnston admitted disappointment after the fourth placed effort of Montrerosso in the Derby but had a double on the card at the Curragh as consolation. Bay Willow claimed the concluding Dubai Tennis Championship EBF Handicap to add to the earlier victory of Sea Lord

Joe Fanning always had the Singspiel gelding to the fore and kicked on over two furlongs from home to record a cosy four-and-a-half length victory over Gimli's Rock

The winning trainer revealed that like Sea Lord, Bay Willow probably wouldn't have travelled but for Monterosso competing in the Derby.

"I made quite a few entries here today and it's always hard with handicappers to decide whether to come or not," said Johnston.

"It was a huge field of entries and you have to make the decision to travel before declaration.

"I don't have enough runners here and possibly I've let the era of great Irish prizemoney pass. I have to wake up to the opportunities.

"Both my winners today were in the same boat having gone to Ascot with big expectations.

"They had no very obvious hard luck stories but I felt they just didn't get the rub of the green and there was more to come."

Johnston admitted he was disappointed with the effort of Monterosso, who finished fourth in the Derby.

"I'm disappointed. I didn't come here expecting to be fourth. There is no real excuse.

"There is no evidence to say it came too soon but we've got to hope that was the case and he can progress from here."