Double Martini (right) is ridden out by Colin Keane to beat Royal Court © Photo Healy Racing
Paddy Twomey continued his excellent start to the season, as his Double Martini took the navanadventurecentre.ie Maiden.
The Co Tipperary based handler has saddled five winners from eleven runners, and is well on his way to beating his personal best of six winners in a campaign.
Double Martini, who is a chestnut son of Mastercraftsman, was sent off at 10/3 this afternoon, having been available at 11/2 in the morning.
Drawn on the rail in stall one, he was soon towards the head of affairs under Colin Keane, and held a definite led after two furlongs.
Ridden over a furlong out, he was soon pressed by Royal Court but kept on best in the closing stages to see off that rival by a neck.
The runner-up, who was returned the 7/4 favourite, had to settle for minor honours yet again, with Donnacha O'Brien aboard this Zoffany gelding for his brother Joseph.
The front pair were a length and three parts ahead of That's Mad in third, with this one backed from 7s to 4s on-course.
The winner is out of Dusty Moon who managed to win on debut, while so too did his half-sister Athas An Bhean.
"He's a nice horse that Morna (winning owner Morna McDowall) sent to us in March," said Twomey.
"He'll probably have no bother getting further but we thought five was nice place to start him today on a stiff track like this.
"It's great that he won today and we'll make a new plan as we go now.
"He's a nice horse, he's been working well and that ground was ideal for him."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Double Martini, ridden by C.T. Keane, placed first and Royal Court, ridden by D. O'Brien, placed second, where it appeared Double Martini drifted off the rail. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.
D.W. O'Connor, rider of Stellar Dreams trained by W.T. Farrell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount found the ground too quick.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
