First ever double for Aine O'Connor as Brawler lands a touch Aine O’Connor rode her second winner of the afternoon when Brawler (as big as 25s in the morning, 7s into 6/1 on course) took the Fairyhouse 2020 Membership Handicap Hurdle. It was a first ever double for the Co. Limerick native after Demi Plie’s earlier success. Darragh O’Keeffe was due to ride, but was stood down after a fall from Kildorrery in the 2m handicap chase, and O’Connor, able to claim 5lbs and ride at 9st 8lbs, proved a very able deputy. The winner came with his effort after two out and, despite a slight error at the last, ran on to defeat Drumacoo (25/1) who made a worse mistake at that final flight when having every chance. Four and a half lengths was the winning margin, with Pivotal Flame (12/1) another two and a quarter lengths back in third. The 7/4 favourite Jukebox Jive finished sixth. The winner, a Flat-bred four-year-old by Teofilo who won a minor event on the Flat for Andre Fabre in the colours of Godolphin, was having his second start for Peter Fahey having shown promise in maiden hurdles for Denis Hogan. The winning trainer Peter Fahey remarked: “Darragh injured his thumb and we didn’t have too many to do that light weight. Fair play to Aine she gave him a great ride and it’s her first double. “He ran a lovely race on his first run for me in Navan and Conor McNamara said to step him up to two and a half. He travelled and did everything well today. “We’ll find something for him in Leopardstown over Christmas. He’s a fine big horse and hopefully he will continue to improve.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
