Downdraft (Donnacha O'Brien) has his Down Royal rivals on the stretch© Photo Healy Racing
The Listed Her Majesty’s Plate at Down Royal saw champion jockey Donnacha O’Brien complete a double on his brother Joseph’s Downdraft
Half-an-hour earlier it was last gasp for O’Brien on his father Aidan’s Royal County Down in the seven furlong two-year-old maiden.
That win was achieved by a nose but it was clearer-cut for Downdraft (11/4) as he accounted for well-backed favourite The King (13/8 into 11/8) by three lengths.
"He's a beautiful horse to ride, you just throw the reins at him and he goes along at his own pace. Then when you give him a squeeze he is there for you," said Donnacha O'Brien.
"He's an improving horse and I think the step up in trip brought about more improvement.
"I'll leave it to Joseph (O'Brien), but there is anywhere he can go with him - he can go anywhere, he is tactical and he relaxes, so you would have a load of options with him."
(MG & EM)
