Sox sticks at it to land bumper

Our Sox battled gamely to land the concluding Dale Farm bumper at Down Royal under Steven Clements.

The Brian Hamilton trained gelding had hit the front at the top of the hill in the two-mile contest but soon had plenty pressing. Blueberry Hill looked a big threat from over a furlong out but couldn't find a way past the winner and it was the fast finishing Lady In Motion who eventually took the runner-up spot, going down by half a length.

The winner, a former point-to-pointer, had made a promising 'track' debut when fourth in a Roscommon bumper last month.

“He's tough out, he's hardy and keeps going. He's for sale,” said Hamilton.

“He got into a bit of traffic in Roscommon and ran a bit green. I thought two miles might be a bit sharp for him but Steven made plenty of use of him.

“He'll be a nice horse in time, he's still pretty green. I used to ride for (owner) Denis Reddan when I was riding and he's always been good to me.” Topper Thornton was sent off the 11/8 favourite. He held every chance two furlongs out but had no extra to offer in the final furlong, finishing fifth.

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)