Sparkle Factor© Photo Healy Racing
Apprentice jockey Leigh Roche completed a memorable double on Derby day at the Curragh today when steering Sparkle Factor to win the concluding Dubai Duty Free Summer (Fillies) Handicap for his employer, trainer Dermot Weld.
The daughter of Arch was strongly pressed in the closing stages but battled well to maintain her lead and defeat Tobann by a neck with Colour Blue a close third.
Afterwards Weld, who had his 18th Royal Ascot winner last week, stated “it was a competitive handicap and she battled well. The rider gave her a strong drive and she'll go for something similar next.”
Roche, earlier successful on Line Of Reason in the Scurry Handicap, was partnering his 13th winner of the season.
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
