Halford Rules with Curragh double

On an afternoon that saw a good crowd at the Curragh (attendance 7,276 which is up 1,900 on last year) Michael Halford completed a 23 and a half to one double when Eastern Rules with Shane Foley in the plate, came home strongly to take the concluding O'Brien's Wines Handicap.

An hour earlier victorious with the Declan McDonogh ridden Dabadiyan Halford's Eastern Rules was second in the betting at 6/1 behind the well-backed favourite Target Acquired

Both Eastern Rules and Target Acquired were there with their chances at the business end and at the finish it was the patiently ridden first-named contender that came out on top from Bethany Bay by three parts of a length. Target Acquired was a neck back in third.

"He's tough. That's a good trip (seven furlongs) for him. They went fast and it suited him.

"It opened up for him lovely and he got a clear run.

"Shane is riding great – he's very strong.

"He said that the horse helped him every step of the way. He's a lovely genuine type," summarised Halford in the aftermath. (GC & EM)