IT was a red-letter day for Athea-based trainer Eoin McCarthy who registered the first double of his career and his brace was supplied by a pair of particularly well-backed winners, both partnered by Gearoid Brouder.

McCarthy struck first with new recruit Blanketontheground in the novice hurdle for horses rated 109 or less. The daughter of Flemensfirth was backed from 12/1 in the morning into 7/2 and appeared to have taken control of this race after two out.