Barnevelder does Nolan & Moran a favour

Twenty to one chance Barnevelder in first-time blinkers, gave Clane handler Shane Nolan his opening winner on the racecourse proper and rider Robbie Moran his initial success of this campaign in the Book Your Abba Xmas Handicap Chase at Downpatrick.

Barnevelder led at the last (and kept to the far side on the run-in) and the Old Vic gelding, out of a half-sister to Grade 1 winner, Feathered Leader, went away to beat the well-backed favourite Dunroe Boy (had looked sure to score & stand's side run-in). Dunroe Boy found no extra on the run-in and he went down by six and a half lengths.

Nolan explained: "I knew he was working better in the blinkers. He'll stay much further. He's in Clonmel on Sunday and is for sale."

Winning owner Paul Monaghan is from Kilcock. Meanwhile Nolan trains at Sarah Taaffe's yard also in County Kildare. Let The Show Begin (5th) was reported to have made a very bad mistake in running and felt lame post race. He was later confirmed lame off fore. (MG & EM)