Memorable afternoon for Roger McGrath as he completes first double

Roger McGrath will remember the first Saturday in September for a long time after he carded the first double of his career, with both wins achieved in uncomplicated fashion.

Shanacoole was the first to score for the Aglish trainer when winning the 2m4f handicap hurdle under the season's leading rider Darragh O'Keeffe. He took it up after the third-last and galloped on resolutely to hold off the late challenge of runner-up Emma Prada.

McGrath said: "He won two point-to-points but his jumping on his first couple of runs over hurdles was not sharp enough. Today he jumped much better and was much more fluent. He was able to keep his position better over the longer trip.

"There will be a bit of fun to be had with him over fences too. The owners bred him and they have been very patient too. This could be his trip over hurdles, he could step up in trip over fences."

Sweet Street completed the trainer's double in the 3m mares' maiden hurdle under Paul Townend.

It may have been McGrath's first double on the track but his family are steeped in racing and were also responsible for very good chaser Sullane River in the 1990s.

He said: "It's my first double, we don't have that many and it would not be that often we would have two running on the one day. It's a great day for us."

He added of Sweet Street: "She deserved that, she's a very honest and consistent mare. We bred her too and we get the bonus. She will probably stay over hurdles and go chasing next year."

Awesome Altar

The Joseph O'Brien-trained four-year-old Druid's Altar laid down a marker as the best novice chaser of the season.

The son of Mastercraftsman could hardly have been more impressive in putting his four rivals to the sword in the 2m4f rated novice chase.

Ridden by Donagh Meyler, deputising for the suspended JJ Slevin, Druid's Altar tracked early leader Effernock Fizz before he went to the front approaching the second-last fence. He winged the last to complete a brilliant round of jumping and emerged 15 lengths clear of old rival Jungle Junction.

Meyler said: "He was very impressive and straightforward. I'm just happy to be able to fill in on him today. He puts them under pressure with the way he jumps and travels."

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