Downthecellar and Paul Townend (left) jump the last upsides runner-up She Tops The Lot© Photo Healy Racing
The 11/4 favourite Downthecellar completed a hat-trick of wins when taking the TramoreRaces.ie Handicap Steeplechase in the hands of Paul Townend.
The Arcadio gelding was prominent throughout and led running to the second-last fence but She Tops The Lot (7/2) looked a big danger under Rachael Blackmore when coming to challenge on the run to the last.
Despite Townend dropping his whip, Downthecellar gamely found a little extra to score by half a length.
Owned by Christine Plumbly, who likes to celebrate her horse’s victories with a visit to the wine cellar in her Derbyshire residence, the 7-year-old had previously won at Limerick in May and at this course last month.
Winning trainer Edward O’Grady said: "I'm delighted, he has exceeded expectations. I suppose we will have to go for something similar with him now.
"I thought Paul was superb and he really threw him at the last. He threw the kitchen sink at him to get the job done.
"It's lovely to see Paul back riding so well, he is a top man."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
