A Wave Of The Sea and Shane Crosse © Photo Healy Racing
It proved a good night for the Crosse family at Down Royal this evening as champion apprentice Shane Crosse notched a double on A Wave Of The Sea having earlier seen his brother Nathan also strike twice on the card.
Trainer Joseph O'Brien was also securing a brace as the Born To Sea gelding galloped on strongly in the closing stages to run out a comprehensive four length winner of the Kaizen Brand Evolution Handicap.
Crosse always had his mount handy and he slipped through on the inner to lead passing the half mile pole.
The 5/2 favourite was pressed by Conor Hogan early in the straight but stayed on stoutly as that rival ran around under pressure over a furlong out. Winiata eventually kept on for second.
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: "I think he's a horse that probably wants to be in the lead, but I think in Sligo there was no pace and we know he stays.
"Joseph said 'make use of him'. It was only his third run and he is taking on handicappers but he will probably be a mile and a half, a mile and six horse in the long run.
"He's tough and he's honest and he is going to win races. He's had three quick runs for a big baby and Joseph may just freshen him up. He can only improve - that was over a trip probably a bit short for him and on ground a bit soft for him.
"Shane is a lovely rider. I've only really noticed him since I've come over.
“For a 5lb claimer he is very cool. I didn't realise who he was until I noticed that his dad used to ride with me and he was my head lad back in England 10 years ago."
O'Brien and Crosse has also combined with Shakespear'sgalley in the mile-and-a-half handicap.
(Quotes by Michael Graham)
