The Dermot McLoughlin trained Sadler’s Mark caused a 16/1 upset when winning the Harp Lager Handicap at Down Royal this evening.

Ridden by Danny Mullins, the son of Sadler’s Wells moved to the front over a furlong out, eventually defeating Cadeaux Fas by three and a half lengths.

Winning owner David Eiffe, from Ratoath, Co Meath, later mentioned “Sadler’s Mark has been showing a bit at home but we tried him over 1m6f and 1m4f but he cut out over those trips. We threw him in here as a last chance saloon but hopefully he’ll make a nice dual purpose horse.”

The stewards enquired into the improvement in form compared to his previous two runs.

Trainer Dermot Anthony McLoughlin reported that this was only the third time to run his charge, that his best runs in the UK were over one mile two furlongs and before he even ran him he felt he looked like the the type of horse that needs a longer trip and even considered going hurdling.

He felt he didn't handle the ground in Ballinrobe over one mile six and in relation to Bellewstown he said he ran satisfactorily over one mile four in a competitive race.

Today he said he reverted back to one mile two which was his preferred trip in the past and reaped the necessary rewards.

The stewards accepted the explanation offered.

Thomas Weekes