Jimli's Cave a welcome winner for Watsons

Jimli's Cave ended a lean spell for the Watson stable when he landed the Denis Macauley Memorial Handicap Hurdle in Downpatrick.

The six-year-old gelding had flashed ability in second at Cartmel and Wexford during the summer and blinkers went on for the first time.

The 17/2 chance tracked the pacesetters throughout this extended 2m5f contest before picking it up four out. Mrs Biddle served it up to him two out, however, Jimli's Cave took over for Donagh Meyler after the last and stayed on well up the hill to score by three and three-quarter lengths.

Mrs Biddle finished second at 11/2 while You Some Girl (5/1f) took third.

Assistant trainer Marshall Watson said: "It is great for dad, he is 70 on Monday. That is our last runner before that birthday, so I am delighted for him.

"Denis Macauley, who the race is named after, was a good friend of his as well.

"Big shout out to Geoffrey (Ruddock, owner), he has been a great supporter and patient. Mr Ruddock deserves it more than I do.

"I worked him the other day in the blinkers and I said to everybody 'Yes, that's him'. He did (travel lovely).

"People said he wasn't quick enough for 2m5f - he's not slow, he just probably needed something to help him focus. He's genuine and he stuck at it really well.

"It has been a lean spell for us but we are starting to show green shoots (of recovery)."