One two for Joseph O’Brien as Piltown yard brings up a double

Gee Rex doubled Joseph O’Brien’s score on the day at Gowran, successful in the MansionBet Handicap under Mikey Sheehy.

Sheehy started the week on the right note, winning for the stable aboard Vafortino at Roscommon on Monday, and here on Gee Rex he accounted for another O’Brien runner, Zoom Zoom Babe by a length and three parts.

The latter, 11/4 market-leader, didn’t get a clear run and was hampered a furlong and a half out.

In Gee Rex’s case he disputed the lead briefly, before soon settling in to chase the leaders.

Fifth at the halfway point, the previously difficult to win with four-year-old, up in trip now, was ridden to dispute the lead again two furlongs out.

He led over a furlong out, keeping on well in the final furlong to beat Zoom Zoom Babe by a length and three parts. This was win 101 of the year, Flat and jumps, for Joseph O'Brien.

The earlier O'Brien victor was Capel At Dawn in the hands of Dylan Browne McMonagle in the fillies claimer.

Stable representative Brendan Powell said: “The last time at the Curragh everywhere he went he got into trouble and Joseph has freshened him up. He took it up soon enough but put his head down and tried today.

“He’s won two this year and is paying his way.”

The Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Zoom Zoom Babe (GB), ridden by D. McMonagle, placed second and Mccabe ridden by K.J. Manning, unplaced, where it appeared both animals collided. Having viewed the recording of the incident, the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

(AM & EM)