Admiral D and Jake Coen © Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Michael O’Callaghan recorded his first ever double when 11/4 favourite Admiral D outclassed his rivals in the Irish EBF Auction Series Nursery.
The Listowel maiden winner, on his first start for three months having been gelded in the interim, was held up towards the rear by 10lb claimer Jake Coen (second winner) before picking up well on the stands’ side racing towards the final furlong.
He readily went clear to beat Bobby Dazzler by four and a half lengths in the colours of his trainer.
O’Callaghan, successful earlier with Siesta Beach in the opener, said: "We thought a lot of him earlier in the year and he went to Royal Ascot which proved the wrong thing to do with him. Fast ground and five furlongs didn’t suit him and it set him back for the rest of the year.
“I ran him back in a nursery at the Curragh and he just wasn’t himself so I gelded him and gave him a break.
“We started doing things differently with him at home and he’s sweetened up lovely. He was ready for today but I think he’ll improve for the run because he’s been off for three months.
“Early in the year I thought he was a Birdcatcher horse. You possibly need a Stakes horse to win a Birdcatcher and maybe he is. He could still go for it (on October 31st) if we still have him but we’ll see what the handicapper does with him.
“He showed a lovely turn of foot and likes that ground. He missed the break by a few lengths but Jake took his time and gave him a good ride.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
