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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Darkness comes to life on handicap debut

Mon 18th Jun 2018, 21:09

Darkness Falls and Donnacha O'Brien pictured on their way to victoryDarkness Falls and Donnacha O'Brien pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Darkness Falls who is out of 2012 Epsom Oaks winner Was, made the breakthrough in the Panoramic Restaurant Handicap, completing a double on the card for Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien.

Having failed to make an impact in maiden company, the daughter of War Front was sent off at 6/1 this evening, fitted with cheekpieces for the first time.

Settled in second, she improved to lead from two furlongs out, and kept on well under pressure from there to score comfortably by three and a half lengths.

The 10/11 favourite Magwadiri improved into second a furlong out, but couldn't reel-in the winner from there, and ultimately had to settle for the runner-up spot under Shane Foley for Jessica Harrington.

The John Oxx trained Miss Zizi (8/1) completed the places another two and a half lengths back in third.

“She did it nicely. Things didn't go right for her in a few maidens and she was down to a nice mark," the winning rider said.

“It's good to get that win into her with her pedigree. She's a very well bred filly and hopefully she'll improve from there and get up to a bit higher mark. Obviously she'll be an important mare going forward.”

Aidan and Donnacha O'Brien were earlier on the mark with Dali in the feature Midsummer Sprint Stakes.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

1st
6/1
Tote €6.30 €2.20
2nd
3.5L
10/11Fav
€1.02
3rd
2L
8/1
€1.90
4th
hd
20/1
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.