Flower blooms in Downpatrick bumper

The Paul Cashman-trained Present Flower stretched clear in impression fashion to run out a wide margin winner of the concluding bumper at Downpatrick.

Patrick Casey held his mount up in the early stages before taking closer order coming down the hill.

She had to wait for a gap two furlongs out but got to the front over a furlong out and soon put the race to bed, galloping on strongly for a 12-length success.

The well-backed 13/8 favourite (7/2 this morning) had posted a improved effort last time when chasing home Fu's Island in Limerick.

 "She's progressive. It took a run or two for the penny to drop. She's improving and loves the sun on her back. She'll make a lovely broodmare. She's related to Cheltenham Festival winner Golden Chieftain," said Cashman.

"The plan went out the door early as she doesn't like being among horses. Patrick rode her accordingly and she came home well. He was cool enough and that's his second bumper winner for me. That ground took a bit of getting.

"We might try for a mares' hurdle with her. Perhaps we could go to Listowel if the ground was right."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)