Policy follows-up on Bellewstown success

Political Policy followed-up on his win at Bellewstown last weekend, as he took the opener at Downpatrick this afternoon, the BMG Insurance Hurdle.

Successful nine times on the level, the Gavin Cromwell trained seven-year-old made the breakthrough on just his second start over flights at Bellewstown.

Sent off at 11/4 today, the son of Bushranger raced in second under Ger Fox.

He improved to lead from three out, and had all his rivals off the bridle before the last, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in to hold off the effort of Count Simon by two and a half lengths.

The runner-up was returned the 7/4 favourite under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott, while 7/2 chance Niven was another four and a half lengths back in third.

Fox said afterwards: "He's a brilliant horse - that's his 81st start and his 11th career win. Everyone loves him at home, he's a gent.

"Gavin (Cromwell) keeps him sweet all the time, he'd be a stuffy type of horse but loves this type of ground. He wouldn't do too much with him. He is over there (at the Sales) looking around.

"He probably will go to Dundalk but we'll look for something in Galway, the owner would love to go there.

"I wouldn't be here today only because of him (Cromwell). He has backed me all the way and it's great to repay him. He told me the minute I was back he was going to give me plenty of opportunities. I'm very, very thankful to him."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham