Carroll doubles up on 'too impressive' Albatala Gary Carroll doubled up in style at Down Royal this afternoon when the John McConnell-trained Albatala powered clear to land the Mongey Communications Handicap. The Belardo mare had finished fourth on her return to the Flat at Fairyhouse earlier this month and was a well-backed 11/2 shot (from 12/1) this afternoon. She came to lead over two furlong from home and quickened away when popped the question a furlong-and-a-half down. The seven-year-old soon settled matters and galloped on strongly to score by 12 lengths over Cleopatra’s Needle. It was a first career success for Albatala and McConnell said afterwards:- McConnell said: "Too impressive! The ground is important to her. "Cillian (McConnell) rode her in the Student Derby (Curragh, 2023) and led everywhere bar the line that day and cost us a lot of money - I'm only forgiving him now! "She loved that ground and the last day was probably too quick for her. I think anything with 'good' in it is probably too quick for her. "I told Gary she stays well and that's why he sent her on, but he didn't realise he had sent her on that much. "I’m delighted for the owner who has been very, very patient with her and me, and got his reward today, so hopefully she can go on. "She has obviously hurdle form as well, so she might mix it through the summer." Carroll had also landed the opener on the Andy Oliver-trained Charm Of Venice. (Quotes by Michael Graham)
