Jack Cleary claims Group Three double as O’Brien dominates at Leopardstown

Aidan O’Brien dominated at Leopardstown on Saturday, with Group Three winners Christmas Day and Dorset taking starring roles in a six-timer for the trainer and a four-timer for jockey Jack Cleary.

The Ballydoyle handler was swiftly off the mark with 5lb claimer Cleary steering 4-6 favourite Amelia Earheart to victory in the Irish EBF Fillies Maiden before Ronan Whelan guided Ex Animo (15-2) to a head win in the Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden.

Christmas Day then narrowly denied A Boy Named Susie in a thrilling finish to the Group Three Mongey Communications Eyrefield Stakes, with Cleary’s mount making up plenty of ground in the final two furlongs of the mile contest.

He closed in on the leader inside the distance, with the 13-2 chance just edging victory by a short head on the line.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “He’s progressed from run to run and he took great confidence from the win the last day.

“He was tough at the finish. Jack gave him a lovely ride, that’s his first Group winner and he’s having an unbelievable year – long may it continue over the next couple of weeks.

“He’s one that will hopefully winter well and come back for a trial in the spring.”

With a first Group Three winner in the bag, Cleary, who was celebrating his 22nd birthday, soon made it two as he guided Dorset (13-8) to a half-length win over stablemate and 6-4 favourite Dayton in the Killavullan Stakes.

Dorset and Cleary had teamed up to good effect to win the Goffs Million last time and Armstrong again hailed his efforts in the saddle.

“He’s like an ATM machine for Jack, he’s the horse that keeps on giving!” said Armstrong.

He added: “In fairness he’s given him two very good rides. Today he jumped and he was a bit keener but Jack got to keep a bit of a reserve on him.

“He probably nicked it around the bend and Ronan couldn’t run him down. Ronan’s is a very nice horse.

“He takes his racing very well. I would say that’s probably him for the year but you’d never know what Aidan might think, whether he might give him one more.”

Cleary completed his four-timer with a front-running ride on River Ara (13-8 favourite) in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap, although she had to dig deep against narrow runner-up Iamimmaculate.

O’Brien’s other winner was also ridden by Whelan as Minerva (4-7 favourite) led home a one-two-three for the trainer in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.

Aidan Melia scuppered O’Brien’s hopes of going through the card as his Unauthorized (7-1) won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden, with the Ballydoyle runners proving disappointing.