Knockanarrigan gains big race-day glory

The Sandra Hughes trained Knockanarrigan registered his fifth career win on Grade 1 day at Down Royal today, winning the incident packed Rainbow Communications Handicap Chase under Brian Hayes.

Eight set out in the race but of the four to complete, only Knockanarrigan and Nosey Box mattered in the home straight.

Six to four favourite Colms Dream appeared to have every chance when falling at the fourth last fence while Pencilhimin took a heavy fall at the previous fence. Earlier in the race, The Doorman exited at the first fence while Wrong Turn was never involved and pulled up.

Knockanarrigan had won three races for Hughes' late father Dessie Hughes in 2014 and following today's win, Sandra Hughes stated "it's nice to have one on a big day and Dad really fancied him for the Midlands National but he broke down [in 2014].

"He's a great jumper, has a great attitude and is very clever. We were going to put him in the Cork National but thought it would be an ask on his first time (following a break) over fences.

"I have 65 in for the season ahead."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham