Point-to-point handler wins Curragh's season-opener One of Ireland’s main point-to-point consignors Donnchadh Doyle landed the Flat season’s opening race today, as his Jack Foley-trained Ruler’s Control (15/2) won the Curragh’s Topgear At Capital Stud Irish EBF Maiden. Ridden by Luke McAteer, the son of Territories raced behind leader Force Noir and while he led at the furlong pole, was all out in the closing stages to hold that runner-up by a head. Today’s race traditionally produces some top-level performers with well-touted runner-up Force Noir representing big-spending Amo Racing Ltd. Owner Doyle, who has trained over 300 point-to-point winners, recently branched out purchasing Flat stock and had his first Flat winners with Foley at Dundalk in December. Today Foley reported “it was a good performance and we thought an awful lot of this horse. He had worked with a couple of the older ones and was showing signs that he could be very good: we hadn’t anything able to work with him at home. “We were hoping he’d improve plenty for whatever he did today as he hasn’t been away from home a whole lot but we did think an awful lot of him. He got a small bit lonely out in front and Luke gave him a great ride. “This race usually throws up a real good horse and that’s what we think this horse is. We haven’t thought beyond today but he’ll be offered for sale - if he’s not sold we’ll dream with him.” The ex-champion conditional jump jockey added “Donnchadh has provided me with a lot of nice horses, has trusted me and most of our winners have been two-year-olds in maidens. He was all for coming for today’s race with this horse, he is great to work with and to train for, so I can’t thank him enough. “We have plenty of horses, a lot of two-year-olds and some three-year-olds who we didn’t get to run last year.” Quotes from Gary Carson
