In-form stayer Irish Butterfly made it three wins from his past four starts on Saturday when he led from barrier to box over 2400-metres at Sandown. It brought up back-to-back wins at the track and trip for Dwyer’s seven-year-old, who has been racing in terrific fashion since learning to settle on-speed in his races. Celine Gaudray is developing a good relationship with this son of O’Reilly, she’s now two from two on his back and has a great feel for him. The apprentice hoop cuddled her gelding for much of the event before kicking clear on the bend, quickly establishing a winning lead and crossing the line eased down, the official margin posted at four-and-a-quarter lengths. Gaudray was relatively unfussed post-race. “We had a really easy, comfortable lead”, the young jockey said. “He was really, really strong through the line”.
Trainer Dwyer was thrilled with the result. “Terrific win. Great to get a Saturday metro win with this horse, and in the manner he did it suggests it won’t be his last”.
Irish Butterfly is nominated for Thursday’s Warrnambool Cup and if he pulls up well, Dwyer has indicated he will test him at Listed level on a quick five-day back-up.