Struggle for a win ends for Up The Hill

Trainer John Nicholson's fondness for Roscommon was exemplified when he called his six time winning mare, Knockcroghery, and he had further reason to laud the venue after Up The Hill s win under Kevin Sexton in the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Backed from 8s into 6s in the ring, the Indian River six-year-old, also owned and bred by Nicholson, made all and he could afford the luxury of being eased on the run-in and still account for Festival Opera by five and a half lengths. Tikka Light was right there with every chance when falling at the second last and Castlecave and Dolly Varden were hampered and unseated their respective riders in the incident.

"He's been the unluckiest horse, he's had plenty of problems but we kept the faith with him and Kevin gave him a great ride.

"He loves that ground but he has to go right-handed. We can look forward to the rest of the summer with him and he might go to Galway.

"He was unlucky in a bumper at Kilbeggan when my nephew Ian Corrigan rode him one day. I have to give great credit to Ian who rides him out every day.

"It's great to be off the cold list."

P.D. Kennedy, rider of Share Wood trained by C. Moore, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

(DM & EM)