Bob puts Rob back at the number one

Better Back Bob (33/1) principally had fellow outsider Mullinavat (33/1) to deal with over the closing couple of fences in the Port Beginners Chase at Downpatrick, and he eventually got the job done under Robbie Colgan for local trainer Neil McKnight.

Favourite Gone Platinum stayed on up the run-in but he couldn't reel back the winner who prevailed by two and a half lengths with Mullinavat having no more to offer close home, a length back in third.

"That was great. I got beaten a few times on him over two miles five round here. I'd say the trip probably suited him and the fences," said Colgan.

"I've been struggling to ride a winner so I'm glad. It's nearly five months so it's great to get that."

Dual point-to-point scorer Better Back Bob was winning at the first attempt today over racecourse fences.

The Stewards interviewed D.J. Mullins, rider of Gone Platinum, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that D.J. Mullins was in breach of R10(4) by failing to give his mount time to respond to the whip and having taken his previous record into consideration suspended him for 2 racedays.

(MG & EM)