Review LEOPARDSTOWN 22-JUL-2000

Former rider Harry Rogers recorded his biggest success to date and his first double as a trainer when Livadiya (20/1) and Eddie Ahern romped home in the featured Golden Pages Handicap.

Purchased for just IR#3,200 at Goffs earlier this year, the Aga Khan-bred bargain-buy came home 6l clear of Mudaa-eb with She's Our Mare (5/1-4/1f) only 14th.

The race was eventually started by flag after a technical fault with the starting equipment and without Golden Fact (12/1), who was withdrawn when his saddle strap broke on the way to the start.

'I fancied her a bit as I thought she was unluckky in the Ulster Oaks when beaten a couple of necks (to Reve Russe). I've been training nearly 2 years now and it's moments like this that make it all worthwhile,' said Rogers.

Earlier the Rogers/Ahern alliance initiated his 230-1 brace when Aljay defeated Kate Emily (3/1f) by a neck in the 1m5f handicap.

British raiders filled the first two places in the Challenge Stakes 1m6f headed home by John Dunlop's Pairumani Star (4/1) who held the renewed effort of Royal Rebel (2/1-11/4f) by a head.

Partnered by Pat Shanahan, successful in the opener aboard Dermot Weld's Royal Command, with a 54/1 brace, the 5yo was recording his eighth success under rules.

The jackpot pool swelled to a massive #41,623 but following the victory of Rainbow Melody in the 7f handicap there was just one unit remaining on newcomer Martinelli in 2yo maiden.

It wasn't to be for the sole Jackpot investor as the Ballydoyle juvenile could finish only 3rd with victory going to the Jim Bolger-trained Affianced (5/2), who just prevailed from Longueville Legend.

In another day of misery for punters, in-form Frances Crowley supplied the winner of the finale when Horse Chestnut (7/1) scored in the hands of Kevin O'Ryan.

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