Dundalk double for Joseph O'Brien Favourite Front View didn’t come up to expectations for him earlier on in the finale at Cheltenham but Joseph O’Brien doubled up at Dundalk tonight. Dark Vader completed the brace under Dylan Browne McMonagle in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Race. Adding to the earlier gains for stable companion Will Be King in the hands of Shane Crosse in the claimer, Dark Vader triumphed as the 15/8 second market-choice. Favourite Punita Arora could manage only fifth, after dwelling and being awkward at the stalls, racing in the rear and running freely early. Joseph O’Brien also saddled the fourth home, Never Before. However Dark Vader fared that bit better, racing prominently and soon disputing on the outer. He then chased the leader in second after a furlong and a half, challenging two furlongs out. Ridden to gain a narrow lead a furlong and a half out, Dark Vader kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, strongly pressed close home but holding off promising newcomer You’resobeautiful by a neck. “He did it well. I got a nice lead into the straight by The King Of Kells. They went a nice gallop and once we’ve turned into the straight I just let him gradually build it up and he quickened well to the line,” said Browne McMonagle. “It was a smart performance as there were a lot of good horses behind him. He lugged left a bit but once I gave him a slap with my left hand he galloped on well to the line.” The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Punita Arora, trained by Mrs John Harrington, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. S. Foley, rider of Punita Arora trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never jumped from the stalls. (AM & EM)
