Royale winner at Down Royal

Sankari Royale made it third time lucky for the month of July when gaining a maiden win at Down Royal today, landing the opening 100% Magners Irish Cider Race for trainer Johnny Murtagh and jockey Niall McCullagh.

The daughter of Epaulette had finished second on two occasions earlier this month but today got her head in front where it matters most when beating 4/6f Treasuring by two lengths.

Afterwards Murtagh said “she has been done a couple of times but I thought the way the race would set up today it might suit her. She has been doing the donkey work the last couple of times and just getting caught.

"Niall (McCullagh) says she dropped in and relaxed well. She quickened up well and there were two smart fillies there (runner-up Treasuring and third placed India Rain . She is improving all the time and I think she will be able to step up to six furlongs as well. We might go for a little black type along the line.

"It was probably the first time she has been dropped in and she wasn't quite sure what was happening but he said when he asked her to go she quickened up well today and got to the line really well."

Quotes from Michael Graham