Scott McCullagh after his Leopardstown double, completed aboard Aurora Princess© Photo Healy Racing
Scott McCullagh doubled up in the finale at Leopardstown, winning the Donnybrook Handicap on Aurora Princess (50/1) for Jessica Harrington.
Owned and bred by Yasushi Kubota, the winner, a daughter of The Gurkha, came forward for the addition of blinkers.
Aurora Princess tracked the leaders and she made good headway to lead two furlongs out. Ridden clear over a furlong out she kept on well in the final furlong to convincingly account for eye-catcher, Powerful Kieran by two and a quarter lengths.
McCullagh had earlier been successful on his only other ride this afternoon, Morph Speed for Richard O’Brien.
Mrs Harrington’s daughter Kate said afterwards: “It was a bit of a surprise and the blinkers definitely did the trick.
“She worked with them last week and was an awful lot sharper. She was just holding back a little bit for herself but we've put a lot of graft into her in the last few weeks since her last run.
“This was last chance saloon and she duly obliged.
“Scott was very good and he is riding out of his skin. He's a very stylish jockey and I was actually quite impressed with him there.
“He always has been quite stylish but he's really tidied himself up and got neat and close to the horse. We couldn't be happier with him and he's great value for that 5lb claim.”
S. Foley, rider of Baron Wild trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled on the ground throughout.
The Stewards requested a report from Mrs John Harrington, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Aurora Princess, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Kate Harrington, authorised representative, stated that the application of blinkers seemed to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation.
(GC & EM)
