Stokes partners first winner on Alfalfa Jessica Stokes had a day to remember at the Curragh this afternoon when partnering her first winner aboard Alfalfa in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Lady Riders Trophy Handicap. Tim Doyle’s charge came to challenge a furlong from home and got the better of Gotta Catch’em All in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter success. The 13/2 winner was recording his second career victory having scored at Thurles two years ago. “He ran well here last week (when fourth) and I was quietly hoping he’d run a good race today,” said Doyle. “We got a race taken off us with this horse two years ago and we got justice today. “The extra couple of furlongs helped him, he’s very honest and he keeps galloping.” On the winning rider he added:- “She’s from Fethard and she’s Nicky Stokes’ daughter. “That’s her first winner, she rides point-to-points mostly, and I’d say that’s her first ride on the Flat. “She’s a lovely rider. She rode one for me during the summer, over hurdles, and she finished second. Nobody else could get the horse placed. I’m a big fan now!”
