Ireland's second-lowest rated chaser wins Downpatrick finale

Ireland's second-lowest rated chaser Greenway Machine gained a first win aged 11 at Downpatrick today in the concluding Toals Bookmakers Handicap Chase, for trainer Helen Markham and owner Peter Killeen.

A 2019 point-to-point winner but subsequently unsuccessful in 19 racecourse runs, Greenway Machine's official chase rating of 65 is 1lb higher than bottom-rated 14-year-old fencer Justakeg. Today, racing from 2lb out-of-the-handicap and priced at 17/2, the veteran scored in determined fashion when grimly holding off runner-up Reddys Island

Grangecon, Co Wicklow-based Markham reported " Greenway Machine actually loves this track, so we came up for a 0-95. He's a lovely horse and a great horse to jump. Cian (Cullinan, jockey) gave him a super ride and I'm delighted!

"The owner (Peter Killen) got stuck in traffic - he's probably just in the car park somewhere!"

Quotes from Michael Graham