Farragher puts first double on the board Adam Farragher rode the first double of his career at Navan this afternoon with the 49/1 brace completed by Lady De Vesci in the Gormanlough Apprentice Handicap. Earlier a winner on the Kieran Cotter-trained A Step Too Far in the Troytown Bar Handicap, here Farragher was winning for his boss Michael Halford. His 13th winner overall, Farragher got Lady De Vesci home by two lengths from L’un Deux Trois. “She didn't get much of a run the last day. It's her first win on turf but she's been unlucky a couple of times,” said Farragher. “I was quite confident coming into today. My only concern was that I thought she might want better ground but she got through it and did it well. “That's my first double and I'm delighted to get it, very happy.” S.T. McCullagh, rider of Mater Matuta trained by E. D. Delany, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled. The Stewards requested a report from M.Halford, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Lady De Vesci, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Nicica Jenjic, Authorised Representative for M. Halford, reported that their charge did not handle the ground or the track on her last run in Bellewstown. Mr. Jenjic added that Lady De Vesci prefers today's track and along with an improvement in ground she benefitted from a favourable draw from where she could get good cover early on and she settled quickly today. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered. (GC & EM)
