Golden Ferret a cosy winner in north

Paddy O'Hanlon rode his third winner of the new National Hunt season on Golden Ferret in the extended two mile three handicap chase at Downpatrick.

He steered the 9/2 shot to the front before the second last and pair moved clear by the final fence.

Golden Ferret was well in charge on the run-in but was heavily eased down to score by three parts of a length from Follow The Crowd (7/1). Shantou Sisu was another three and three quarter lengths back in third at 9/1.

O'Hanlon said: "He has done it well. Paul (Stafford) was confident enough beforehand and said to get him in a rhythm and get him jumping.

"I was a bit afraid now hitting the front too early but, in fairness to him, he has kept going well. He was pricking his ears going to the line."