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Punchestown 2024
Punchestown 2024
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- Donnacha O'Brien doubles up at Down Royal in feature on Downdraft
Donnacha O'Brien doubles up at Down Royal in feature on Downdraft
Downdraft (Donnacha O'Brien) has his Down Royal rivals on the stretch
© Photo Healy Racing
The Listed Her Majesty’s Plate at Down Royal saw champion jockey Donnacha O’Brien complete a double on his brother Joseph’s Downdraft
Half-an-hour earlier it was last gasp for O’Brien on his father Aidan’s Royal County Down in the seven furlong two-year-old maiden.
That win was achieved by a nose but it was clearer-cut for Downdraft (11/4) as he accounted for well-backed favourite The King (13/8 into 11/8) by three lengths.
"He's a beautiful horse to ride, you just throw the reins at him and he goes along at his own pace. Then when you give him a squeeze he is there for you," said Donnacha O'Brien.
"He's an improving horse and I think the step up in trip brought about more improvement.
"I'll leave it to Joseph (O'Brien), but there is anywhere he can go with him - he can go anywhere, he is tactical and he relaxes, so you would have a load of options with him."
(MG & EM)