Cobh's Robyn Donaghue-Leahy denies Jody Townend a royal victory after Rebel battle at Leopardstown

Cobh jockey Robyn Donaghue-Leahy denied Jody Townend a famous royal victory in a head bobber at Leopardstown on Friday evening aboard the prolific winner Not Just Any Eagle.

Townend partnered the gallant top-weight Reaching High sporting the iconic royal silks for King Charles and Queen Camilla in the €25,000 Leopardstown Lady Riders Handicap. The four-year-old son of Sea The Stars was formerly trained by the now-retired Michael Stoute in Newmarket.

He is now berthed at Closutton with Willie Mullins. It was a historic occasion at the Foxrock venue as it marked the first time that a reigning British monarch had a horse trained here in Ireland.

The two Cork jockeys engaged in a ding-dong tussle in the final 75 yards flashing by the line as one. 

A photo finish was required which revealed that Pat Flynn's gelding had just prevailed by a short head. 

A stewards enquiry was also called directly afterwards but the result was no alteration.

Donaghue-Leahy paid tribute to her mount “He was good and game the whole way up the straight. He’s been a great servant to me and Pat."

This Leopardstown meeting holds a special place in her heart as she partnered her first winner here 12 months ago when Tudor Manor landed the Apprentice Handicap, again for Pat Flynn who trained that winner for his wife. Robyn began her journey as a jockey riding out for Carrigtwohill trainer Terence O'Brien. She was there for almost six years.

BLISTERING 

At Kilbeggan, Doneraile jockey Darragh O'Keeffe continued in blistering form as he recorded a treble to follow up doubles in Clonmel on Thursday and Tipperary on Wednesday.

He also rode a winner in Killarney on Monday on Rockonliam who had been the intended mount of the now retired Rachael Blackmore.

O’Keeffe has been the main beneficiary since she announced her retirement and the North Cork jockey has enjoyed a lucrative week teaming up with Henry De Bromhead.

He completed his treble aboard Marv Michael (9/2), an easy winner in the Shanette Superior Space Handicap Chase. Earlier in the evening he'd won on Warriors Wood (14/1) and Costacurta (4/7)