Gamble Rocco collects in style

The first of the two big gambles from Emmet Mullins' yard failed to collect but Blackstair Rocco did the business in great style in the first division of the Craft Event Co Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal. Shake Him Up could only finish fifth in the previous race but his stablemate justified strong support with the minimum of fuss.

Mike O'Connor produced the 10/11 favourite (8/1 last night) to challenge three from home and he cruised into the lead before the next.

The Shirocco gelding flicked through the penultimate flight but was big and bold at the last before stretching away on the run-in for a comprehensive 16-length win over long-time leader Blue Markie

Blackstair Rocco was making his second outing in handicap company and was stepping up half a mile today having been well beaten over two miles at Punchestown in late April.

Michael Hatton from Dublin was representing the owner Shane McGuckin from Gorey, Co Wexford and he said: "My first time on a racetrack since Cheltenham 2020, it's a lovely day.

"He's won very easily and loved the ground; it was a big factor. We were very hopeful today.

"Mike was very pleased and he was never extended. There's plenty more in him, he's a very good horse. Shane and Ronan McGuckin bred him."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)