Animo another for Ballydoyle as O'Brien doubles up Ex Animo (15/2) gave Ballydoyle a quick double at Leopardstown this afternoon when running out a game winner of the Irish EBF (C&G) Smullen Series Maiden. The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt bounced out in front under Ronan Whelan in the mile contest but was pressed throughout by Sharkeyboy, who came to dispute turning for home. Ex Animo stuck his head out gamely in the closing stages to record a hard fought head success. Stable representative Chris Armstrong said:- “Ronan gave him a very positive ride from the front and, when he needed to be, he was strong on him. “At home we felt he had improved a fair bit from Navan and with normal improvement we thought coming here he should be there or thereabouts. “He was strong at the finish and it’s nice to get a win next to him. I’d say that’ll be him for the year and we’ll see where he fits in next year in a trial.”
