Sean Bowen jogs back with Dubirango after his reins broke during the race© Photo Healy Racing
Sean Bowen completed a quick double when Dubirango (11/2) landed the three-year-old handicap.
The young rider, from Clonmel and a fifth-year student in secondary school, had to deal with tack difficulties as well as a rein broke when he began to stoke up the Pride Of Dubai colt for his challenge two furlongs out. Towards the far side of the track at that stage, the winner understandably drifted right with Bowen lacking full powers of steering on him but stayed on well enough to hit the front close home. Runner-up Cherry Bloom went down by half a length with Kirsapp another length away in third.
This was a third winner for Bowen whose claim is now down to 7lb as a result.
It was a welcome winner for Killala-based winning trainer Fergal Birrane who was also on lead-up duties.
Birrane said: “He's been improving as he's been going along, he was a bit frustrating at the start in his maidens. That's great as he's owned by my wife.”
