Roja Dove soars over the final hurdle in Gowran Park© Photo Healy Racing
Roja Dove has hit a rich vein of form for Peter Fahey as she followed up her Fairyhouse victory with a taking performance in Gowran Park.
The daughter of Jeremy was pushed along by Roger Loughran to make headway from third approaching the straight in this two mile handicap hurdle.
The 9/4 favourite came through to lead at the second last and she saw it out to score by three and a quarter lengths from 40/1 shot Trans Wood (on handicap debut). Lockeen Girl (7/2) picked up third-placed money nine lengths away.
Roja Dove is now two from two for Fahey having joined him from David Thompson's yard in Darlington, England.
Peter Fahey said: "I'm thrilled for the syndicate as much as anything as they're a good bunch of lads. They're from Maynooth and have leased her from Noel Doyle.
"Fingers crossed she goes on and her next run might be in a rated beginners' chase at Tramore in a few weeks time.
"It's grand to have her and she seems to be on a nice enough mark and hopefully we'll continue to have fun with her over the winter.
"I've been surprised with her, as from day one I've been thinking 'is this too good to be true?' as her homework and everything was good but it's great and fingers crossed she stays going."
Roger Loughran said: "He's (Peter Fahey) is after doing a fair job just turning her around and sweetening her up a bit. She did it well today.
"I didn't want to let the front two away, you can't in that ground. I jumped the third last and I saw Ricky (Doyle on Trans Wood) and I said I would aim for him.
"When I got after her down the hill I had him covered again. I got to the second last and ended up in front too soon but she stuck to her guns well. She winged the last and that sealed it.
"She will probably get another 9lbs for today and she is one that could jump a fence in time too."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
