Rawnaq's connections eye Galway bid

Rawnaq gamely rallied to get up and beat Devils Bride in The Megan McManus Memorial Hurdle at Down Royal.

Jockey Kevin Smith sent the eight-year-old gelding into an early lead in this two and a half mile contest. He was headed before the last flight though by Devils Bride, but fought back on the run-in to win by half a length at 4/1. The runner-up was a 2/1 chance. Bayan the 11/10 favourite, was a length and three parts further away in third. He kept on without troubling the two in front of him.

"I knew he would battle back when passed. Kevin gave him a good ride. He was unlucky in Cheltenham but ran a blinder," trainer Matthew Smith said.

"The Galway Plate is the plan but we might go to Cork for a conditions hurdle first."