Real joy for O’Grady as tenacious Article triumphs

THE Real Article displayed commendable tenacity under pressure to land the Grade 2 W.K.D. Hurdle at Down Royal yesterday, completing a big race double for Edward O’Grady and in-form Barry Geraghty.

Squeezed for room between Oscars Well and Kalann approaching the final flight, the 5/4 favourite responded well to Geraghty’s strong handling on the run-in to beat Kalann by a length and a quarter.

A delighted Edward O’Grady stated: “I must give credit to my staff and everyone involved with the horse. He had problems last year and it has been a long road back. I’ll have to discuss plans with Barry but we could give him a break now with a spring campaign in mind. Or, he could go for the Hatton’s Grace or Fighting Fifth over the next few weeks, ” before adding, “At this stage, I couldn’t say that he won’t make a Champion Hurdle horse.”