Niall Moore - Down Royal double© Photo Healy Racing
The defection of top-weight Wrecking Ball Paul from the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal, cleared the way for reserve Kalanisi Dubh to make the line-up. She duly sprung a 20/1 surprise to give her jockey Niall Moore a double on the card.
Representing owners Michael and Sean Allen, and trainer Seamus Fahey, the relatively unexposed Kalanisi Dubh got the better of favourite Cave Court (7/2) by three lengths. Outsider Galactica (33/1) ended up four and a half lengths back in third.
A first double for Moore and his ninth winner overall prompted him to reflect: "I only got it (ride) this morning, thanks to Garry Cribbin (agent) - he's brilliant and on the ball.
"The mare was very fit. She was placed once but she's a hardy little mare and she's very good to jump.
"She found plenty and is game as you like.
"It is brilliant for a small trainer and small owners.
"That's my first double of my career which is great and the biggest day of my career."
(MG & EM)
