Favourite backers get a scare before Bid wins

Favourite backers had a real 'oh no' moment approaching the final flight of the Moate Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan today as the 9/4 'jolly', and eventual winner, Formal Bid arrived with his chance only to be impeded jumping that final obstacle.

Condon had ridden a patient race on the son of Oratorio and held every chance in a close third at the final flight only to be squeezed for room. Condon managed to get the gelding going again on the run-in to edge out Luimneach Abu by a head.

Afterwards winning trainer Gordon Elliott stated “he would have been an unlucky loser but he won anyway so that's grand. He is what he is and that's his level and he wants quick ground so he hasn't that much time left this year.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson