No Mistake from Custers as Tumilty gets first winner on racecourse

Northern Ireland trainer Ross Tumilty recorded a landmark first winner under rules when his Custers Mistake stayed on best to land the Toals Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

A long standing maiden with 34 previous starts, the seven-year-old was finally getting his head in front after some promising efforts under both codes over the years.

Having started life on the flat with Kevin Prendergast, the Zoffany gelding had managed to reach the frame on eight previous occasions.

Sent off 14/1, the Dara McGill ridden winner, moved into third approaching the final flight, quickly going second as warm favourite Surf Club had no more to offer.

Heading leader Stockdale on the stiff uphill climb, Custers Mistake kept on strongly to score by two-and-a-half lengths.

Ross Tumilty said: "I'm from Newry, Co Down. I keep the horses at Danescroft, just on the Sprucefield roundabout (outside Lisburn).

"I only have a point-to-pointer and a little mare and Custers Mistake.

"First winner, delighted. I work as a farrier as well. I was busy but then I rode out for people throughout the years and went on for my licence. Since then I have probably backed off the training.

"It is something I want to do more of but, at the same time, I don't have enough to pay the bills. It is a balancing act.

"I cant even describe it when I saw him getting up.

"Ronan McNally taught me quite a lot. Whenever you train on your own, it is a different buzz."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.