Carnfunnock avails of attractive handicap mark

An initial mark of 116 had looked exploitable for Stuart Crawford's smart bumper horse Carnfunnock and he duly capitalised in the Bar One Racing Mobile Betting Handicap Hurdle.

Fourth over a shorter trip at this track on last month's handicap bow and with his mark untouched, he relished the extra three and a half furlongs on this occasion. Driven along in third with a few lengths to find jumping the last, he charged up the hill to nail the 17lb-conceding Lucky Max on the line.

Topweight Cash Back gave it a good go from the front but, having looked like he might hold on between the last two flights, was reeled in on the run-in and dropped to third in the closing stages.

Winning rider JJ Slevin, “The ground probably blunted his speed a bit. It was a good performance and we thought he was reasonably well treated off a mark of 116. It was nice to get his head in front.

“He tried hard and his jumping is coming on as he did jump a bit big. He got a bit more cover today and it was a smoother run through.

“He’s a hardy boy and is learning in fairness to him. He could be a horse for Fairyhouse at Easter.”

Quotes from Alan Magee