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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

April's Moon rises to give Queally his double

Sun 3rd Oct 2021, 15:40

April's Moon and Jack Foley after winning for trainer Declan Queally and owners Oakroom Racing Club April's Moon and Jack Foley after winning for trainer Declan Queally and owners Oakroom Racing Club
© Photo Healy Racing

April's Moon sealed a Killarney double for trainer Declan Queally when winning the Rose Hotel handicap Hurdle by a wide margin.

She showed a tendency to jump to her left but had all horses except Yamato beaten by two out.

Yamato was ridden by Jordan Gainford to almost get on terms with April's Moon between the last two flights but April's Moon found more to increase her lead jumping the final flight.

Jack Foley 's mount drew nine lengths clear on the run-in to win at a well-backed 7/2. Yamato, 10/3jf, could give no more in second. Well Polly was 17 lengths adrift in third at 11/1.

Declan Queally jnr said: "If at first you don't success succeed, try, try and try again! She is a sister to a Grade One winning hurdler (Black Op) and has been very frustrating and has been knocking on the door

"With her rating, it was hard to know whether to go for a maiden or a handicap but we got into this race and it is brilliant for Paul Rothwell, her breeder, and the boys. They are a bunch of country lads from Cork, Limerick and Wicklow and are great lads to train for and have another horse with me.

"It is brilliant for her pedigree and I'm thrilled. It's possible we might give her a break now."

Queally snr also trained Robyndeglory to win the opener on the card.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.