Retained apprentices provide trainer O'Brien with Dundalk double

Trainer Joseph O'Brien completed a double, supplied by two of his retained apprentice jockeys, at Dundalk today as his Never Before landed the Fundraise At Dundalk Stadium Maiden under Mikey Sheehy.

Newcomer Comradery (9/1 this morning, returned 9/4) attracted strong market support throughout the day but in the race, was unable to cope with Never Before, a son of No Nay Never, who was today having his sixth career start.

O'Brien's other winner was in the half-hour earlier handicap with Calidus Mirabilis under apprentice jockey Alan Persse, and following his latest win, assistant Brendan Powell commented “he'd been running consistent all year.

“I think from that draw (12), he just wanted to be handy. The idea wasn't to make it but Mikey said he found himself there. He sat in front, the horse has experience and I think the second horse (Comradery) is probably very nice.

“He's galloped the whole way to the line and it's just nice to get his head in front.

“We've got a good bunch of young lads down there now and Joseph is giving them all chances.

“Their claims are valuable and it makes a big difference.”

Quotes from Gary Carson