Downforce handles BMW Handicap best

Downforce ploughed through the rain-sodden turf in the Curragh to decisively win the valuable BMW Handicap for trainer Willie McCreery. Penny Pepper and Chris broke away well from stall two and blazed a trail down the centre of the course in this 25,000 euro race.

Billy Lee held Downforce up in rear of mid-division but got a lovely run through on the shoulder of In Salutem in the final quarter of a mile.

He was ridden to hunt down Penny Pepper in the last 200 yards and he then readily quickened away to win by three and a half lengths at 7/1.

Penny Pepper kept on for second at 8/1 with In Salutem, the 7/2 favourite, a further length and a quarter away in third.

Billy Lee said of the four-year-old gelding: "He's coming on. I travelled all the way through the race. I followed Pat (Smullen) through and I just didn't want to get there too soon. He stays well at the same time so I wanted to make use of that. He's got right out to the line well.

"We were worried the last day [on heavy ground] but he handled it well. I was confident coming in today that there was a big run on the cards so I'm delighted he has proved it. It's slow ground, it is nearly soft.

"It's going well, I've a bit of luck on my side and momentum there at the moment so hopefully it will keep going."

Willie McCreery added: "He's still immature but he has a grand way of going and he settled in well. He has plenty of pace for five furlongs especially on that soft ground.

"He's in again at Gowran on Wednesday over seven furlongs. We'll see what yer man (the handicapper) does and also the man above with the ground. It's nice to get a winner on Guineas day."

Downforce was last seen winning a seven furlong handicap on heavy ground in Sligo almost three weeks ago. This was his third career victory.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee