Joyce fires Soldier to Down Royal handicap success

Runner-up on both previous visits to this track, the Kevin Smith trained Cornahilt Soldier proved far too strong for the opposition when easily winning the BoyleSports Extra Places Every Day Handicap at Down Royal.

Tracking the leaders in mid division for the first couple of furlongs, Wesley Joyce travelled nicely in the chasing pack as Special Angel led Star Sailor

As the latter gave way before the straight, Star Sailor briefly took over at the head of affairs. Switched to the inside entering the straight, Cornahilt Soldier was ridden to lead over a furlong out.

Quickly going clear of her field, the 11/2 chance, who had only run last night, came home six lengths in front.

Kevin Smith said: "I fancied her last night (in Fairyhouse) and she didn't get much luck in-running. I was disappointed coming home last night.

"I was confident in her today, she ate up and there wasn't a bother on her. She had a spring in her step this morning.

"We'll see now, the handicapper will probably put her out of the '65' bracket, but she showed she probably can progress on her run last night."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.