Well-backed Concience wins the bumper

After finishing third on her last three starts Concience got a deserved win to her name as she took the bumper at Downpatrick, the Invitational Byerley Turk Gala Ball On December 5th INH Flat Race.

Third to Whizzzey Rascal on her most recent effort over the course and distance in September, the daughter of Kutub was sent off the well-backed 7/2 second favourite today (13/2 in a place this morning and from 9/2 on-course).

Settled behind the leaders by James Dowling she improved into second over four furlongs out.

She hit the front with under three furlongs to race and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, going on to score by four and a half lengths in the colours of owner Peter Newell. Thinkinginmysleep (20's to 16's) ran a fine race to finish second under Johnny King for Dot Love, while the Gordon Elliott trained Bellas Rock (12/1) was a further four and three parts of a length back in third.

Elliott also saddled the 6/5 favourite Faraway Mountain and he could only manage a disappointing fourth under Luke McGuinness.

Des McDonogh trains the winner and he said afterwards: "Her last run proved she handled the track. She travelled well and James gave her a cracking ride. She'll go hurdling. She's small but beautifully made."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham