Catena Zapata completes quick double for Ewing While sent off the outsider of the field for the feature Randox Rated Hurdle, the easy-to-back Catena Zapata wasn't for catching, as he completed a quick double for Sam Ewing. Claimed by Ian Donoghue for E6,000 after winning at Killarney last month, the Vadamos seven-year-old subsequently finished down the field on his debut for current connections at Galway. Returning to flights for the first time since May of 2024, the Majella Crabbe-owned 11/1 chance (from 4s early) made virtually all and kept finding for pressure on the run-in, ultimately coming home five-and-a-half lengths to the good in first time cheekpieces. The highest rated runner in the line-up, Redwood Queen (15/2) finished a gallant second, while Arch Empire (8/13f) jumped poorly and was a tailed off last. "We schooled him Wednesday morning at home and he jumped very well. We knew coming out of Henry's (de Bromhead) all his jump well. I'm delighted," Donoghue reflected. "It wasn't the plan to make it, I left it up to Sam to do whatever he wanted. I thought maybe drop in, but there was no-one going to go so he went himself. "He did (find plenty) and you'd be a little bit worried him being a Vadamos and coming up the hill, but he did thank God. He was a cheap claim. "He got a bump crossing the road (in Galway)and I'd say he got frightened with blinkers on him. Adam (Caffrey) had to get out, he was clipping heels, and he ran too keen. "We'll mix and match with him now, he can go back on the Flat as well." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Arch Empire (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal. * J.G. Gilligan, rider of Itsalladream, trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
