Sod proves too strong for hunter rivals

On The Sod proved too strong for his rivals in the Molson Coors Hunters Chase at Downpatrick to justify his short price.

The David Christie-trained gelding went to post the 6/5 favourite in the two-mile-seven contest and duelled for the lead for much of the race with Timewaitsfornoone

The Ask gelding was sent on before the second last and galloped on strongly in the closing stages for Barry O'Neill to record a seven length success.

The winner was taking a drop in class having pulled up in the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown on his last outing.

Christie said: "I really enjoyed that because he was very unlucky not to win in Fairyhouse. I think the fall took quite a lot out of him.

“He's such a tough horse like all Asks. We thought he was in great form going to Punchestown and Barry said he just wasn't himself.

"He has been at the highest level the whole year coming up from nothing. He's had to learn his trade against the very top horses so today it was just camera work all round.

"He's a tremendously tough horse and I'm just delighted for Kieran Mahon and Noel Keenan (owners) down below in Roscommon and they can't get up to see him.

“They are small men and they have got some kick out of this horse. I tell you they will still be partying at 10am tomorrow morning!

"We didn't think beyond today. If it stayed wet, we might have a look at Listowel and, if it doesn't, he'll go to grass."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)