Smart Newcomer Kicks Off Double For Ocovango

Pinkerton (5g Ocovango - Mistress Pope, by Catcher In The Rye) kicked off a double for Beeches Stud sire Ocovango on Sunday when making a winning debut in the bumper at Down Royal.

The Noel Meade owned and trained bay was held up in midfield by Neil Ryan and was pushed along to challenge from over two furlongs out. Running on well inside the final furlong, he led 110 yards from the line and was pushed out to win by a length and a half. Bred by J Mangan, he becomes the first winner out of the mare.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “He picked up well and showed a bit of pace about him. I'm very happy with him. He is a horse that we have liked at home and he has done a couple of nice bits of work recently.”

Soon afterward at Wincanton, Shallow River (5g Ocovango - Nicola’s Girl, by High Roller) justified favouritism in the bumper for Fergal O’Brien and the Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club.

Bought by connections after finishing a promising third on debut for Mags Mullins, the son of Ocovango finished fourth over course and distance next time out. Racing in midfield under Paddy Brennan, he made headway turning for home and led approaching the final furlong. Keeping on well, he prevailed by a neck on the line, as How Will I Know (Ocovango) took third.

The half-brother to bumper winner Angelsea Lace (Mahler) was bred by Eric Barrett.