Magnier silks score at both Irish meetings John Magnier’s famous dark blue silks were successful at both Irish meetings today, and having landed the Curragh’s St Leger Trial with Queenstown, followed up in Killarney’s Old Market Lane Traders Novice Chase, with Butch Cassidy (1/2f). Magnier’s all-conquering Coolmore Stud was also earlier involved in Futurity Stakes-winner Giant Sequoia and, at Killarney, Butch Cassidy made all the running under jockey Darragh O’Keeffe to score readily from three rivals. Winning trainer Henry De Bromhead wasn’t present and afterwards O’Keeffe commented “jumping off at the start I had to give him a shake but in fairness to him, he got into a great rhythm and his jumping was so good. He fell asleep over the final three fences and was just doing enough but once I gave him a few reminders, he opened up well to the line. “He is a fine big horse who we’ve always thought plenty of and he has put two wins back-to-back now. This will do his confidence the world of good and while he stays really well, is a classy stayer who also quickens up well. “He handles that nice ground well and I’m sure they have a plan for him.” Bought for €140,000 at the 2023 Tattersalls Derby Sale, Butch Cassidy is a half-brother to Cheltenham Bumper-winner Fayonagh.
