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- Geraghty completes quick brace on Opera
Donal Murphy
Geraghty completes quick brace on Opera
Woodland Opera is ridden out by Barry Geraghty
© Photo Healy Racing
After taking the opener on Falak Barry Geraghty quickly doubled-up on Woodland Opera in the Joe Cooney Memorial Hurdle.
A disappointing ninth over fences at Galway on Sunday last, the Jessica Harrington trained eight-year-old was sent off the 5/2 second favourite this evening.
Having raced in second in the early stages, the son of Robin Des Champs led from the fourth, and went a few lengths clear from two out.
He kept up the gallop from there, and was ridden out on the run-in to beat the even money favourite Koshari by four lengths.
Paul Townend was aboard the runner-up for Willie Mullins, while Massini's Trap was another four and a quarter lengths back in third.
Geraghty said afterwards: "He ran a good race at Cork. I'd say the two miles at Galway on quick ground, it was just happening too quick for him.
"Jessie was hopeful of a good show today stepping back up to two and a half, it worked well, and it was a good performance.
"He missed one early but when you're going hard from flag fall you're going to find flaws. He jumped brilliantly after that. It was a good solid performance."