Trainer Johnny Murtagh completed a double at Fairyhouse today when teaming up with his former jockey rival Pat Smullen, who steered Sister Bandina to win the La Bucca Restaurants Handicap.

The daughter of Mastercraftsman had previously been successful lost her maiden status when winning in soft ground at Bath in May Following today’s win ex-jockey Murtagh stated “she missed the kick at Ballinrobe last time and was out wide and never really got involved but Fairyhouse is ideal for her - a big galloping track, and she was able to sit second and got there well. She appreciated a bit of ease in the ground.

"The owner (Stephen Harris from Clarinbridge) would like to go to Galway; the track wouldn't really suit her but Pat said she is learning all the time."

Murtagh's earlier winner was Time To Reason under Connor King, in the three year old maiden.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee