ON THYSTES Day at Gowran Park (Kilkenny), Bruree’s Enda Bolger picked-up a timely winner with Champagne Platinum, 11/1, in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap of €15,500.
In the colours of JP McManus, Martinstown, Champagne Platinum won by a head under young conditional jockey Luke Donnelly (20). It was a first winner for Donnelly (Nenagh, county Tipperary, son of former jockeys Joey Donnelly and Lulu Olivefalk.
A delighted Bolger told irishracing.com: “Luke has been with us six months, is bred to be a jockey and must be some judge! That’s just his second ride over hurdles.”
He continued: “Would you believe it, Champagne Platinum beat the horse that just won the Thyestes (Ain’t That A Shame) at Navan in 2022, so it took a long time between drinks.”
Meanwhile, Team McNamara – trainer Eric and jockey Conor of Beechmount Stables, Rathkeale – scored, yet again, with Millstream Lady, on this occasion in the Full Circle Series Qualifier Handicap Hurdle of €18,500 at Nass over the weekend.
He was a drifter in the market, eventually returned at handsome odds of 14/1.
The winner sported the colours of popular owner/breeder Eamon Leahy (along share holders with Seamus O’Riordan and Edward Hayes).
