Dollys Destination and Conor Orr lead them home© Photo Healy Racing
There were at least five still in with good prospects at the final flight in the Randox Health Rated Hurdle at Downpatrick. Dollys Destination soon took race two by the scruff of the neck though, to win by a length and three parts.
Owned and trained by Gary McGill in Maghera County Derry, Dollys Destination came on for an outing on the Flat at Galway thirteen days back.
That eye-catching fourth placed effort behind Mt Leinster was a first outing in 127 days for Dollys Destination. She was backed to go a few places better here, into a returned 17/2, from 14/1, and bigger earlier.
Conor Orr gave the Dubai Destination mare a patient steer, and though she wasn’t always fluent with her jumping she loomed up from before the last, and quickly took charge.
Front-runner Construct had to settle for second, whilst veteran The King Of Brega stayed on without reaching the front pair for third.
"She's a good wee mare. We've always thought a lot of her,” said McGill.
"We gave her a run in Galway on the flat and she finished fourth and got badly hampered, so we thought we might as well come here today as she seems to like it around here. She seems to like the undulations.
"I couldn't believe how she came down the hill and just took off. The gaps came at the right time for her and she got a nice run through, and she has loads of gears.
"It wasn't really the plan (to ride a patient race on her) as we wanted to sit mid-division as there was going to be a lot of pace on. He (Conor Orr) took his time and it worked out well.
"She likes nice ground and I think that is her fourth one for us now.
"We'll just sit back and give her a couple of days and we'll see what else there is. You could see her in maybe two or three weeks time."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Soldiers Hill trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Stewards interviewed D. Robinson, rider of The King Of Brega, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(e)(use of whip other than on shoulder or hind quarters) and having taken his record into account suspended him for 1 race day.
(MG & EM)
