Trainer Ian Donoghue achieves first double with O’Faolains Glory and Tankardstown Diva at Family affair

The day’s racing at Down Royal saw two first-time winners. In the 2m4f handicap hurdle, O’Faolains Glory, ridden by Carl Miller, took the lead early and finished six lengths ahead of Jacenry. In the 2m4f handicap chase, Politicise, trained by Nigel Slevin and ridden by Carl Miller, secured the win. In another race, Tankardstown Diva, who had narrowly missed out on a win in her previous race, redeemed herself with a strong performance.

Keith Donoghue patiently guided her from the rear in the 2m6f handicap hurdle and she finished ahead of Plain Or Battered by a length and a quarter. Meanwhile, a nine-year-old horse previously trained by Ronan McNally, now under John McConnell’s tutelage, claimed a Graded success at the track. The 7-1 shot finished ahead of the 5-4 favorite Duffle Coat, galloping to victory. Overall, it was an eventful and competitive day of racing at Down Royal.