Dark Ace and Adam Caffrey (right) © Photo Healy Racing
Adam Caffrey landed a quick double for boss Ado McGuinness at Dundalk this afternoon, aboard Dark Ace to move level with Wayne Hassett and James Ryan in the apprentice title race.
The Soldier's Call colt settled behind the leaders in the six-furlong contest before coming to head front-runner Gold Daydream over a furlong from home.
Dark Ace soon settled matters and the 11/1 winner recorded a cosy success at the death as he scored by a length-and-three-quarters from 80/1 shot Aviatrice
It was the third outing for the winner who had finished mid-division in two turf maidens.
Caffrey said: "We probably actually expected that two runs ago in his first start. He showed us plenty at home.
"The first day he ran a bit free with Ronan (Whelan) and things didn't go to plan.
"Then we thought going to an extended five (furlongs) in Navan that he would run well there. He probably did the same and ran a little bit free, he just didn't get home up the hill.
"It was a little bit disappointing and we were kind of left still scratching our heads a small bit.
"We worked him up here last week on the surface and he worked well. He has done it nicely.
"The main thing was to try and jump and get a little bit of cover if we could just to get him to switch off. He did and he showed his full potential here today.
"He (McGuinness) is (at the Horses in Training Sale), he is looking for new horses for next year.
"I can't thank him enough, he has given me all the opportunities in the world - this season especially.
"Thankfully, I can repay him with a couple of winners."
On being level in the apprentice jockeys' title race, he said: "It is tough going but, as I said earlier, I'll take it one ride at a time and keep the head down."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
