O'Brien grabs quick double with Monty's

Joseph O'Brien notched a quick double at Roscommon tonight when Monty's Way stepped forward on his third run to land the apprentice maiden.

The Fastnet Rock colt had been mid-division on both previous outings but ran out a convincing winner of the race run over just shy of a mile-and-a-half.

Mikey Sheehy produced the 7/1 shot to lead two furlongs from home and he stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to score by a length-and-three-quarters. Duffle Coat kept on to take the runner-up spot without troubling the winner.

Assistant Brendan Powell said:- “Another big horse. I didn’t know how he’d cope with the track but Mikey said from the draw he got into a lovely position and travelled away good.

“He stays well, is massive and I’m sure there is more improvement in him.

“His first run was a good run and last time it was softer ground. It’s a big help when you have the likes of Mikey and Dylan riding in these (apprentice) races.

“He’s got a good attitude and can only go forward from here.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)