AMATEUR rider Richie Deegan, who has enjoyed a great autumn campaign so far, continued his good run recording a double at Mainstown.

The first leg of his double came in the Tattersalls Ireland four-year-old maiden when he steered the Pat Fahy-trained Rambling Rector (5/2-5/1) to victory.

The French-bred son of Bonbon Rose was positioned well throughout and engaged in a three-way battle approaching the last where he jumped best and quickened up impressively to score by half a length from Forgot To Ask with the favourite Warthog another half a length back in third.

Fahy was on hand to welcome in his winner, as was owner Stephen Murphy. “We were initially aiming to run in a bumper but said we would come here for the experience. He was bought to replace Any Drama, so this is a great start and we think a lot of him,” said the winning trainer.

Rambling Rector was a private purchase from Martin Cullinane. He is a big imposing horse and is sure to make his mark on the racecourse.

Deegan doubled in the next race on the card, the Dick Frisby five-year-old geldings’ maiden, this time for handler Liz Doyle when Vouvray (6/4-5/2) got up in the closing stages to win by half a length.

Another French-bred winner, this time by Califet, Vouvray is owned by the handler’s mother Avril. Doyle commented: “We could have run him last year, but he was a big baby and still is a bit, he will improve plenty form that experience. He may go to the sales now.’’

Vouvray was settled well off the pace for nearly all of the race as the front two Babytaggle and Strong Resemblance went a strong gallop from flag fall. Vouvray set sail between the last two fences and made up significant ground to get his head in front just before the line.

The feature race of the day the Ocean Feeds ladies open attracted only four runners, two of which finished. Ourmanmassini (4/6) went off the warm favourite but crashed out at the last fence when ridden.

Rosc Catha (6/4) made it three from three landing the spoils as he won eased down by nine lengths from Wandering Aengus. The winner provided Shauna Larkin with her third win for the season.

A family operation, Rosc Catha is trained by Shauna’s cousin Eoin Larkin from Eyrecourt in Co Galway. Rosc Catha is owned by Michael Larkin and connections were delighted with recording three in a row and are very much looking for to the remainder of the season.

DREAM START

Liam Quinlan has had a dream start to his career as he made it two winners from only four rides between the flags when he steered Dimple (4/5-1/1 favourite) to land the Brophy Cusack & Carrick Carpets winners of two race.

Following-up from his maiden success in Ballinboola two weeks ago, Dimple went off clear favourite and he didn’t disappoint when crossing the line six lengths clear of the ultra consistent Teds Island.

A previous track runner in Britain, Dimple is trained by Andy Slattery, whose brother Willie was on hand. “I have a feeling this lad will go back to the track but if we still have him he may run in the hunters chase in Limerick at Christmas.’’

Owner David Armstrong was absent but will no doubt be making plans for this fellow.

The Whytemount Stud five-year-old mares’ maiden went the way of Dimply Mulligan (5/2-7/2). Having only her third start in points, the daughter of Bach was given a lovely ride by Eddie Keating, who was recording his second for the season.

Trained by Wexford-based P.J. O’Gorman and owned by Mary Lett, Dimply Mulligan always travelled well and dug deep to hold off a strong challenge from Hilly Lady in the closing stages. She is now likely to contest a winners’ race.

The concluding race of the day, the Powers of Tullahought & Bobby Fitzgerald Accountants six-year-old and upwards geldings’ maiden for novice riders, went the way of debutant You Know Best (4/1).

The Vincent Devereux-trained seven-year-old travelled with ease throughout and when Hawk Eye Down and Holy Terror came to grief at the last two fences he won eased down. The son of Publisher jumped beautifully and quickened up smartly in the home straight. Devereux commented: “We bred him ourselves, my father James Devereux owns him. He will probably go for a winners’ race next, he had a few niggly problems that held up his career until now.’’

All connections enjoyed the parade ring celebrations.

Minute’s silence

A MINUTE’S silence was held for former Kilmoganny Hunt member Judge Michael Reilly who passed away suddenly on Saturday.

Younger Quinlan

SEVENTEEN-year-old Liam Quinlan looks to be following in his brother Roger’s footsteps as he secured his second career win at Mainstown, having recorded his first winner only two weeks ago. Liam rides out for the Slatterys and plays a key role in their operation where he looks to be set for plenty more opportunities.