Athagabhain and Harry Sexton pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
After a memorable breakthrough success at Tipperary on Thursday aboard Katherine for his father Adrian, Harry Sexton doubled his tally on the well-supported Athagabhain in the Deoclip Construction Handicap Hurdle, with this also trained by Sexton senior.
Without a win in 18 previous starts and never better than sixth, the Doyen mare was put in at 66/1 in early shows, eventually going off a 14/1 chance in the colours of Marc Salmon, who also owns Katherine.
Settled behind the leaders early on, the six-year-old improved to the front approaching the fourth.
Joined four out, she regained the lead away from the second last and battled gamely on the run-in to see off the effort of Sean Og by half-a-length.
The runner-up was returned at 7/1 (14s early) under Danny Mullins for his mother Mag, while Tea It Is (25/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third.
Returned the 4/1 favourite, Macs Lady finished a disappointing ninth under Ben Harvey.
"It's like something you'd see in a movie the way this week has gone," the winning rider commented.
"It's been absolutely unreal to get my first two winners on the board back to back. I'm delighted for my father who has stuck by me and I'm thrilled to be able to pay him back.
"We've stuck by this mare for a long time and she's finally got her head in front. She had a very good run from a long way out of the handicap on her last hurdles start at Ballinrobe and then ran well on the Flat at Listowel.
"I was expecting her to run well but it's a nice surprise that she managed to hold on and win.
"I was planning on being handy and as soon as I noticed how slow they were going, I said I'd better scoot on here and she really enjoyed it out in front.
"She seemed a little bit sore after the line so I jumped off her and loosened her girth just to make it a bit easier on her, but I don't think it's anything too serious."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Bidentime, trained by Noel G. Hynds, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Athagabhain trained by Adrian Sexton was lame post race.
C.J. Orr, rider of Midnight Fortune, trained by Noel C. Kelly, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.
At the request of the Raceday Stewards, B.W. Harvey, rider of Macs Lady, trained by Shane Ryder, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly going to the second last hurdle.
Mr H.E. Sexton, rider of Athagabhain, placed first, trained by Adrian Sexton, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount finished lame.
At the request of the Raceday Stewards, P.T. Enright, rider of Bidentime, trained by Noel G. Hynds, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was flat out throughout this race.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Macs Lady, trained by Shane Ryder, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
