Michael Doran followed up his first winner at Aintree yesterday aboard Far Away So Close by taking full advantage of a chance ride on Tico in the opening two mile maiden hurdle.
Doran replaced Paul Carberry (stiff and sore) on the six-year-old gelding, and the 16/1 chance swooped late on the run-in to collar the well-backed 9/4 joint favourite Lord Ben by two lengths.
The victory completed a memorable week for the Office Boys Syndicate, who were also successful with Its Ironic in the bumper at Gowran Park last weekend.
“I thought the two miles would be a bit sharp for him, and told Michael if he was struggling not to worry as they would probably come back to him. The ground was too testing for him the last day at Down Royal, and he'll tip away for the summer. I was trying to run him in a two and a half miles race but couldn't get him in,” said trainer Willie Codd.
He added: “I got a call this morning that Paul wouldn't make it, and agent Ciaran O'Toole recommended Michael. He's very good vanlue for his 7lb claim, and to be honest that weight could have made the difference.”
