Nathans Pride dominates his rivals at Down Royal© Photo Healy Racing
Peter Fahey looks to have a very useful horse in his yard as Nathans Pride made it two from two when romping clear in the bumper at Down Royal.
Tonight’s assignment looked a tough test for the five-year-old as Noel Meade’s Devils Paintbrush had also impressed when winning on debut.
However, once Nathans Pride picked up the lead at the two furlong pole he readily put this race to bed as Devils Paintbrush toiled in a futile attempt to catch him.
Mark Fahey had four and a half lengths in hand on the 2/1 and in fact Peter Fahey’s other runner, Sunday Serenade came through to pip Devils Paintbrush by a neck for second at 33/1.
Devils Paintbrush, the 13/8 favourite, and Nina Carberry were third some seven lengths clear of fourth-placed Riverside City
“He’s a very nice horse. He did nothing wrong the first day and he’s improved an awful lot. He’s been coming along at home,” Peter Fahey said.
“He was very sick after he won and everything came right today. It’s great for Brendan [owner and brother] as the full brother to this horse goes to the sales next Thursday.
“He is for sale, but we are not going to give him away as he’s a very nice horse. If he’s not sold we could look at the winners’ bumper at Galway.”
On his first racecourse appearance Nathans Pride won comfortably at Thurles, having been well backed.
Mister Nibbles was a notable non-runner due to the ground.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
