Papal Parade is streets ahead

Papal Parade rewarded her many followers (well backed 9/4 favourite) when scoring a second win in September in the Order Of Malta Handicap at the Curragh today, easily scoring for trainer Eamonn O’Connell and for the second time under jockey Declan McDonogh.

The daughter of Papal Bull gained her maiden win at Navan on September 3 and was today officially 3lbs ‘well-in’, having finished second at Gowran last Sunday, after the weights for today’s race were released.

Today Papal Parade quickened clear of her 14 rivals from two furlongs out and in the end scooted home for a six lengths win.

O’Connell, who previously enjoyed much success with Cheltenham Festival perennial-placer Powerstation, stated “she seems to be improving away and the cheek-pieces keep her concentrating and she’s a different filly since we put them on. She did it well and stayed going to the line.

“She has been busy and we’ll wait a few weeks before having a look for something. I always thought she would stay a good bit further.

“She could go hurdling next year as she’s small and would not handle real winter ground.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee