Connection makes his mark

Latin Connection gained a deserved success when running out a convincing winner of the Family First Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.

It was a double on the card for Davy Condon, who let his mount cruise into the lead before the second last.

He had to get serious on the Stuart Crawford-trained gelding from the final flight and he stuck on well in the closing stages to record a eight-length success over Budtairis

The winner has been a regular visitor across the water this year, finishing second four-times, but made the break through on home soil here today.

"He's been knocking on the door and has been unfortunate a couple of times - falling when running a big race," said Crawford.

"The owners are from Aberdeen so that's why he has been racing over the water. They bought him off Jim Bolger.

"I've 30 horses for the track and the same for point-to-points and we've been more focusing across the water as I'm based in Larne and it's very convenient.

"I've some better horses now so I might start looking closer to home."

The winner was sent off 9/4 joint-favourite with Bandra Bullet who proved a major disappointment and was pulled up early.

John McConnell 's charge was post-race normal but jockey Bryan Cooper reported that he had made a bad mistake at the third flight.

He was soon trailing and was pulled up before the fifth.