Crawfords double up with Shadow

Gilt Shadow ran out an impressive winner of the bumper at Down Royal to give Larne trainer Stuart Crawford a double on the day.

There was a farcical situation as the tapes went up with nobody wanting to make the running in the two-mile finale. Paddys Angel eventually went on at a sedate pace and the race developed into a sprint in the straight with the field in a bunch.

14/1 shot Gilt Shadow hit the front three furlongs out and was pressed by Jabus

Stephen Crawford asked his mount to quicken over a furlong out and he showed a nice turn of foot to assert.

The Beneficial newcomer stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a six-length success over 7/4 favourite Silver Tassie

It was a double on the card for Larne trainer Crawford who had also scored with 20/1 shot Latin Connection earlier, ridden by his other brother Ben.

"It was a good day's shopping!" joked Stuart Crawford afterwards.

"He's very nice and I've been very excited about him. He's got the size and the scope to go the right way. He showed plenty of speed to cut through them.

"I'm going to take my time with him as he's only four. He was one of three horses we bought at the Derby Sale and all three have won first time out."

The others were Killyglass and Mister Nibbles, who was also fourth for Gilt Shadow's owner David Roberts last night. Roberts is local to the track in Hillsborough.

The well-backed Director's Forum (6/1 into 3/1) looked a threat over a furlong out but could only finish third.

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)