Racing

Paul Carberry has dream return to action with two winners at Fairyhouse

Tony McCoy gives up rides at Warwick after fall at Fakenham on Tuesday

Paul Carberry
Paul Carberry
Thu Nov 21 2013 - 01:00

Paul Carberry enjoyed a dream return to the saddle as he struck gold on two of his first three rides back from injury at Fairyhouse yesterday.

The much-decorated jumps rider has been sidelined since the end of April with a shoulder injury which required surgery in July.

Following the defection of main market rival Devils Bride, Ally Cascade was the 1/4 favourite for the Premier Jump Weekend Hurdle and the result was scarcely in doubt.

Noel Meade’s charge already had the measure of King William when he came to grief at the final obstacle, leaving the market leader to come home 17 lengths clear of Flycorn.

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Carberry (39) said: “It’s great to be back. Nina (Carberry, sister) sold the horse to the boys (Gigginstown House Stud), so it’s great to win for her as well. It’s been a long wait. It’s been slow trying to stretch the shoulder, but in the last two weeks it’s improved a good bit. Hopefully it keeps going. It felt grand there today.”

Meade said of his rider: “He’s been working hard. A couple of months ago we were worried it wouldn’t come right, but in the last fortnight it’s been getting better and better. Paul caught me a bit by surprise, as I thought he was talking about being back for Sunday, but he rang me yesterday saying he was ready to go today. “I knew he was close as he was riding a lot of schooling.”

Carberry may well have struck again in the Fairyhouse Membership 2014 Maiden Hurdle, but he parted company with the Gordon Elliott-trained Moonshine Lad at the second-last when still in with every chance. Luckily the jockey escaped unscathed and half an hour later was back in the winner’s enclosure after guiding Elliott’s 2/1 favourite Not For Changing to success in the 25 Punter’s Pack Premier Jump Racing Weekend Handicap Hurdle.

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Tony McCoy had to give up his rides at Warwick yesterday

after failing the doctor following a fall at Fakenham on Tuesday. However, the 18-times champion jockey hopes to be back in action at Chepstow today, where he has three booked mounts. “I’ll hopefully be riding tomorrow,” he said.