Jack Cleary continues to impress for Ballydoyle as First Approach headlines 512-1 four-timer for Aidan O'Brien

Jack Cleary continues to make the most of every opportunity he's given by Ballydoyle as he steered home two winners from a 512-1 four-timer for Aidan O'Brien, headlined by First Approach's decisive success in the Birdcatcher Premier Nursery Handicap.

The 5lb claimer has partnered 18 winners this year with 14 of them for O'Brien, the highlight coming last month when he landed the Goffs Millions on Dorset. 

By guiding the 6-1 chance First Approach to success, he added the prestigious Birdcatcher to his evolving CV and that was preceded by a typically assured ride on board Cape Cod in the opening mile maiden.

Cleary kept both assignments simple, never seeing another rival on the 5-6 favourite Cape Cod as he maintained a three-quarters of a length advantage over the fast-finishing Handani at the line.

First Approach had an experience edge over his rivals having had nine starts this year, while he was on pacemaking duties in the Middle Park last time. Cleary ensured his mount could put that speed to use, disputing the lead from the start of the 6f contest before gradually winding him up to fend off all comers.

It was Ballydoyle's first win in the race since 2021 and Cleary said: "The step back down in class really suited him, so I'm delighted to get his head in front again. He seemed to enjoy it today and hit the line strong. I felt like I had plenty in hand."

Ronan Whelan is also featuring prominently for Ballydoyle this season and he partnered his seventh winner for O'Brien this year in the 7f maiden when guiding 3-1 shot Tea Rose to victory. The Frankel filly enjoyed the step back in trip to break her maiden at the fourth attempt, defeating Therewillbeglory by a length and a quarter.

Mark Crehan got in on the act in the final 7f handicap as Serengeti bounced back to form, landing odds of 9-1 in beating Chicago Fireball by a length and a half.

Thunderbear blasts home

Thunderbear got his head back in front for the first time since June 2024 when blasting home under James Ryan to land the Listed RFL Steels Stakes for a delighted Jack Davison.

The five-year-old was stepping up to six furlongs for the first time this year having finished fifth in handicap company at Ascot last month. However, he had plenty of form over the distance having been second in this race last year before finishing third at this level at Doncaster the following month.

Ryan was patient on the 15-2 shot, settling him in rear of the near-side group, and the pair came with an irresistible run up the centre of the track to charge a length and three-quarters clear of Tango Flare.

Such is the popularity of the winner at Davison's Meath stable, he rivals the Breeders' Cup-bound She's Quality as star pupil.

"He hit the line very strong, he was an impressive winner," said Davison. "He's a real character of a horse and the longest-serving member of my yard. I get a real kick out of him winning as he's a stable favourite – himself and She's Quality!"

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