Oxx’s countrywide tour continues with Tipperary double

TRAINER John Oxx has been enjoying a real purple patch on his travels around the country this past fortnight and he landed a double at Tipperary last night when Alanza’s victory in the Listed Fairy Bridge Stakes followed up a maiden success for Buffalo Berry.

Completing a treble for jockey Johnny Murtagh, Alanza appreciated the step up in trip when coming from way off the pace to catch Anam Allta in the shadow of the post. Irish 1000 Guineas fourth Claiomh Solais tried to make all but she was reeled-in late and finished a gallant third, while English raider and favourite Hooray failed to fire and trailed in a never-dangerous eighth.

Winning trainer John Oxx said: “She’s a good filly. She’s got the message now. She was too keen and was giving us problems earlier in the year. We had to run her over shorter to get her to settle. She might have won one or other of those races (over six furlongs) but they taught her to settle well.