O'Meara returns home with star performer David O'Meara is hoping for a big show from Penitent as the Cork native saddles his first runner back in his homeland in the Group Three Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown tomorrow evening. The former jumps jockey has made a great start to his training career in the last couple of seasons and has already bagged a Group Two victory this year with Penitent in the bet365 Mile at Sandown. Based in North Yorkshire O'Meara has sent out 48 winners this term in Britain but is making the trip home with one of his charges for the first time. Penitent is bidding to bounce back after trailing home last in a hot Group One contest at Longchamp last time and O'Meara is hoping for more suitable ground conditions tomorrow. “We're just on the boat now. It's great to have a runner back home and I'm really looking forward to it,” said O'Meara. “Hopefully the rain is a positive. For him the more rain the better. The race in France last time was on firm ground and he hated it. “It's a big ask giving away the penalty and also the allowance to the three-year-olds. “The mile is fine for him and soft ground would be fine. Giving the weight away is a big ask though.” Tomorrow's Group Three contest has attracted a quality field . John Oxx is double handed with Takar and Native Khan. Royal Ascot winner Duntle makes her first start since scoring in the Sandringham Handicap there while Ballydoyle's Requisition also makes his return having landed a Curragh listed event back in April.
