A winner on the flat in Germany and Listed-placed in Italy, Green Mile had only once previously tried racing on the level since arriving on these shores, and that was when a well-beaten short-priced favourite under Kieren Fallon at last year's Listowel Festival. However he made no mistake when reverting to this sphere, landing the Heart Of Down (Ulster) Cesarewitch Handicap at Downpatrick.
A prolific winner over hurdles and fences, the Montjeu gelding was easy-to-back here, competing off a mark of 56. The gamble of the race was Princess Nicole (9s in the morning into 9/2) and it was these two that fought out the finish, Green Mile getting on top close home to prevail by a neck.
For successful handler Tony Martin, this was the fourth time in the last eight years that he has captured this prize. Clever Consul won it for him in 2000 and in 2001 whilst last year Hegrid took the marathon event. Those three wins were attained with Fran Berry in the saddle.
This year Robbie Colgan was in the plate and for this National Hunt pilot it was a second winner on the flat. (EM)
