Coonan off the mark on King

Movie King powered home on the run-in to land the spoils in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal and give amateur Billy Coonan his first winner.

The Tony Martin-trained gelding was held up in rear and still had plenty to pass turning for home.

Coonan asked his mount for an effort going to the second last and the 8/1 shot jumped that flight in sixth.

The Animal Kingdom gelding really started to motor from the back of the last and got to the front in the closing stages for a two-and-a-quarter length win over Serpolette

Movie King was going one better having chased home Princess Sophia at Punchestown 10 days ago.

Coonan said: "From the back straight he just kept picking up.

"We went a good gallop and I settled him in behind, and he just kept picking up for me turning in.

"Yes, definitely (hopeful after his Punchestown run) - we thought the step up in trip would help him a lot.

"Turning in, I was trying to keep the front-runner in my sights but he just made up a load of ground.

"I started riding out for Tony about a year ago - I'm just in Maynooth about 10 minutes away. He has taught me loads over the year. He's starting to give me a few rides now. Hopefully there is more to come

"Dad is the owner, so it's good."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)