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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Way makes it a 230/1 double for Deegan

Sat 25th Jun 2016, 18:44

Papa's Way (nearest) just holds off ModemPapa's Way (nearest) just holds off Modem
© Photo Healy Racing

Paul Deegan completed a 230/1 double at the Curragh as Papa's Way just prevailed in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship EBF Handicap.

Third to dead-heaters Prickly and Winter Lion at Limerick earlier this month, the six-year-old son of Rakti was sent off a 20/1 chance today in the colours of owner Rosha Lyttle.

Sent straight to the front by Chris Hayes, he made made all, and just held off the late surge of Modem by a nose.

The runner-up was returned at 12/1 under Colm O'Donoghue for Jessica Harrington, while Weather Watch (16/1), also trained by Harrington, was two and a half lengths back in third under Tom Madden. Botany Bay was sent off the 7/2 favourite (15/2 this morning and from 4's on-course) and he finished fifth under Ryan Moore for Charles O'Brien.

Deegan, who was earlier successful with 10/1 chance Sruthan said afterwards: "We have been relying on a lot of these lads this year as we moved into a new yard and didn't buy a lot of young stock.

"He ran a blinder the last day but just didn't come down the hill on the fast ground, even though he handles fast ground.

"The ground was perfect today but he still lugged a little. I thought he was beat.

"He's been a great servant. I can't believe what a day it has been.

"You'd have to have Galway in the back of your mind and he has a couple of options there. While he's in good form we might keep him going though.

"I know he's won his maiden hurdle but there is plenty more to come from him over jumps. We've just kept that on the back burner."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.