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Harnett doubles up as Summer Island resumes progress

Summer Island and Paddy Harnett Summer Island and Paddy Harnett
© Healy Racing Photos

Having been amongst the winners earlier in the afternoon, jockey Paddy Harnett completed a double when partnering the Natalia Lupini trained Summer Island to win the PG Duffy & Sons Citroen Apprentice Handicap at the Curragh.

A Dundalk winner on his stable debut in February, the Nigel O'Hare, Martin W White, Mark Devlin and Craig Bryson owned gelding proved slightly disappointing on his next start, before reaching the frame at Bellewstown on his most recent outing.

Sent off a well backed 7/2f (from 5/1) here, Summer Island travelled strongly on the heels of the leaders before coming through to take over with a furlong left to run.

Keeping on well inside the final furlong, the four-year-old had three lengths in hand of Comfort Line at the finish.

Natalia Lupini said: "He was in good form coming here and, he came out of his Bellewstown race very well. The ground was probably a little bit soft for him the last day, good ground here today suited him better.

"Paddy gave him a nice even ride, very straightforward. He picked up nicely and,galloped to the line. Hopefully, he'll be consistent in his grade, or even if he goes up a little bit, he'll still be consistent throughout the season for the owners."

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.