Saunders strikes with Repertory More than half the 16-strong field who contested the Richard H. Faught Memorial Stakes had crossed the Irish Sea for the IR£52,000 first prize, and it will be taken back to Somerset by owner-trainer Malcolm Saunders following Repertory`s success in the five-furlong opener on Budweiser Irish Derby day at the Curragh today. Although the starting price of 14-1 suggests the winner was unfancied for the competitive sprint, Saunders was hopeful of success given that his charge was one of only three horses taking part with a previous course and distance victory to his credit. The winner, who paid over 35-1 on the Tote, had landed the Rockingham Stakes on this track three years ago with an all-the-way success and similar tactics were employed here with fourth choice jockey Fergus Sweeney carrying out instructions to the letter as the pair mastered the Mick Kinane-ridden Ishigiru by a head. Proud Native, trained in Yorkshire by David Nicholls was a further lengthand a half back in third. A delighted Saunders praised Sweeney and explained the jockey`s position in the pecking order for the ride. 'Fergus was the fourth choice behind Richard Hughes, Jamie Spencer and Johnny Murtagh, but they were all suspended this weekend,' he said. 'But he rode him perfectly, letting him bowl along in front and not asking the question too soon. 'This horse gives 100% every time he runs and there may be a Listed race at Sandown for him next week or he may go to France as long as there is cut in the ground for a Group Three at Longchamp.'
