Dorans delivers on debut for Rothwell Dorans Law made the breakthrough on his debut for Philip Rothwell, as he landed the Burleigh Accountancy Handicap Hurdle. Previously in the care of Michael Hourigan and knocking on the door in recent starts, the Champs Elysees six-year-old was fitted with cheekpieces for the first time. Sent to post an 11/4 chance, the 106-rated bay raced in third under Darragh O'Keeffe, as Kilashee (2/1f from 10/3) raced in a clear lead. The market leader had no more to offer when headed from two out, with her stable companion Flidais (5/2) taking over in front. Owned and bred by Tom Doran, the winner was ridden in a close second approaching the final flight, soon getting to the front before keeping on well in the closing stages to prevail by four-and-a-half lengths. The aforementioned Flidais had to settle for second under Danny Mullins, while I Am Rocco was a further 14-lengths away in third. "Tom is a hugely supportive owner. I drove the horse to Galway but I said to Tom that we couldn't run him on the soft ground there, we'd keep him for Ballinrobe," Rothwell revealed. "I rang this morning to tell him that the ground was soft to heavy but that I believed it would dry. Tom had a flight booked but, because of the uncertainty about the ground, didn't travel. "As it turned out, the ground is beautiful out there, I'd say it's more like good to yielding, probably yielding down the far side, so we took our chance and it worked out great. "He came to me from Michael Hourigan looking absolutely terrific and we've done nothing with him but carry on where Michael left off. "I looked at his videos and felt a step up in trip would help him. His brother Dorans River did well for me and stayed really well. "He'd been placed a few times and I put the cheekpieces on just to try and change his luck. Getting nice horses like him is a huge bonus for a yard like mine." STEWARDS REPORT * D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Dorans Law, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his saddle slipped back. Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
