Beacon justifies short price on return

Beacon Edge justified his short price when running out a cosy winner of the Randox Health Hurdle at Downpatrick this afternoon.

Noel Meade 's charge, narrowly denied in Grade 2 company last season, was sent off a 4/11 shot in the two-mile-two contest.

Sean Flanagan tracked Curlew Hill before sending his mount up to join that rival three from home.

The Gigginstown-owned hotpot was bumped along for a few strides after the second last but soon grabbed the lead, travelling well, before the final flight.

He was kept up to his work in the closing stages to record a nine length victory, as Rocky Court stayed on to nab the runner-up spot.

Meade said: “He couldn’t have done it any easier. We’ll have to talk with Eddie and Michael (O’Leary) about whether he goes over fences or stays over hurdles. 

“I suppose we didn’t learn a lot there other than the fact he is well and that he jumped brilliant. Sean said he didn’t really handle the track that well and when he was in front he was a bit lairy.

“If he stays over hurdles he will go for those conditions hurdle races. I think two and a half (miles) might suit him better and I’ve felt that all along. He can be dragged into a race rather than sort of push it a bit over two miles.

“It wouldn’t be beyond a possibility that he will go chasing now, we’ll see.

“He’s a gorgeous horse and a beautifully-made horse. Nicky Richards bought him and sold him and Nicky was crying because he had nobody to buy him. It was killing Nicky to let him go. He won a bumper in Ayr and Eddie and myself loved him. 

“We had him racing twice recently and took him out as we were afraid of the ground. 

“It is a testament to Richard (Lyttle) and his team here that we were not afraid to bring him to Downpatrick. This racecourse has improved so much in the last few years. It’s a credit to the team.”

(Quotes by Michael Graham)