Wilson's General off the mark at the age of 11

The SF Engineering Handicap Hurdle went to the 11-year-old General Gold (12/1) who gained his first ever win in the hands of 5lbs claimer Barry Browne.

He led turning into the straight and galloped on to score by six and a half lengths and a short head from I Will Walk (6/1) and Boston Babe (10/1).

The winner had been placed only once in 20 previous runs but had run quite well in a 3 mile maiden hurdle at this venue two weeks ago, when sixth to Royal Aide with today’s third race winner Friary Rock a place behind him.

The winning rider Barry Browne remarked: “They went very quick early and I just sat where he was able to travel. I got quite a bad bump two out but we got going again on the rail after that. He kept at it well.”

Winning owner-trainer Victor Wilson from County Down said: “I fancied him. He’d a good run here the last day and this is my lucky track (Mon Storm won three times for him at Sligo last year). It’s great to win at any track, mind you!”