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Punchestown 2024
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Donal Murphy
Darkness comes to life on handicap debut
Darkness 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