Local winner Balgowlah lands gamble in Downpatrick

Balgowlah landed a gamble in the extended two mile six handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

Local trainer Colin McBratney's gelding was backed from 20/1 in the morning and went off 7/1 after a decent sixth place in a big field handicap hurdle in Navan, at the end of last month.

Sean Flanagan 's mount powered up the hill in third and hit the front inside the final yards to win going away by a length and three quarters. Electricitywork was the horse grabbed by the winner and had to settle for second at 14/1. Herbiegoesbananas the 9/4 favourite, led throughout but was collared up the hill and came in third, beaten three and a half lengths by the winner.

Colin McBratney said: "Delighted but I feel sorry for Donagh Meyler who got a suspension last week off him - the horse got into a bit of interference coming into the straight (in Navan) and flew home. Donagh got off him and said 'if I ride him again he will win'.

"Sean (Flanagan) just happened to get the ride on him today and gave him a great ride.

"He deserved it, he had been consistent here in three or four runs and we knew he would get up the hill. The only worry was what Navan had taken out of him.

"He's only four and he is a tough, little horse and we bought him cheaply for a syndicate. All is good with him. Course form is a great thing with him.

"He loved that ground - his next stop could be Ayr on the 28th October or there's a three mile 0-102 in Down Royal at the Festival (in November). With the syndicate I'd say we'd be going for the festival.

"He stays well and he'd jump a fence some day too."