Double for Walsh, treble for McManus

Down Under took the closing M.A. Brennan Memorial Handicap Chase at Gowran Park to give jockey Mark Walsh a double and owner JP McManus a treble on the day at the Co Kilkenny track.

The five runners had to travel three miles one in this race and it was Cross Appeal and Paul Carberry who took them along. Francis Flood’s Down Under progressed into second with eight fences left to jump. He moved into the lead at the fourth last, but was joined by Cross Appeal three out.

The penultimate fence was the deciding factor. Cross Appeal hit it hard and lost a crucial couple of lengths to Down Under and despite keeping on well from the last, the 7/4 joint favourite lost out to the other 7/4 joint favourite by a head. Darenjan also finished well for third, three parts of a length off the runner-up.

“He kept sticking his head out. He had a good look at the last and had to battle back to the line,” said Fran Flood junior.

“With the small field it was a great opportunity to win a race with him. He's been running well but hasn't got his head in front.

“He ran a cracker in Punchestown and also ran well in Roscommon. He's honest and gives it a good go everytime.

“We'll see what there is about for him over three miles. He likes the trip.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson