Kevin Doyle and Aquilla Star off the mark Former international player and football pundit Kevin Doyle enjoyed his first winner as a racehorse owner as the John McConnell-trained 10/1 shot Aquilla Star notched up her first success in the James P. Cunningham Electrical Handicap at Galway this afternoon. The three-year-old got a great run on the rail under Siobhan Rutledge to close on pacesetter Dawn Flame on the approach to the straight and hit the front with over a furlong to race, coming home three and a quarter lengths to the good over Joseph O'Brien’s 9/2 chance Cladach. A winner at the festival in July, JP’s Express came from the back of the field to take third place, half a length further back, at odds of 12/1. The winning jockey commented, “I'm more of a racing fan and don't follow too much football, but the lads say that Kevin is a big deal!" "She had a food run when finishing second in Ballinrobe and came to the Galway festival with two entries, and ran twice. She got a little bit bumped leaving the stalls the first day and was also a bit unlucky the second day, but was very impressive today. "John (McConnell) said to go forward and to keep it simple.” Quotes from Tom Weekes
