Geoghegan back in the winners' enclosure

Ancient Sands defied top weight and a 5lbs penalty for a recent win when taking the Buy Online at Curragh.ie Handicap at The Curragh today for returning to action jockey Chris Geoghegan.

Geoghegan, who has had weight problems in the past, recently returned to Ireland from a spell working in Britain for trainer Philip Hobbs and while without a winner for over a year, rode with plenty confident on board the Joanna Morgan trained winner, which held on for a length and a quarter win over Little Arrows

The win was Geoghegan's first in Ireland since 2010 and the rider later stated “I've been working at Ballydoyle for the last six months and my weight is ok again. Hopefully I can get back on track race-riding over here.”

Morgan was later full of praise for the winning rider and stated “Chris was very positive on him and is a great rider. It's a shame he's so heavy.”

She added “the more I thought about it the more I fancied Ancient Sands as he was in great form. He'll go to Naas on Sunday and hopefully it doesn't rain as all he has wanted is fast ground. He's not hard on himself and doesn't do a lot at home.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson