Downtown Queen © Photo Healy Racing
Twice a winner over hurdles last summer, Downtown Queen (7/1) put up a fine display of jumping to get off the mark over fences in the extended 2m3f handicap chase.
Narrowly beaten over course and distance on her previous start, the Presenting mare was allowed stride on in front from an early stage by Conor McNamara. There was a packing field in pursuit of her approaching the straight but she saw them all off and came home two lengths in front of Pepperocco
Owned by the John Battersby Racing Syndicate, the six-year-old is trained by Henry de Bromhead who said: "I'm delighted for the guys, they are great supporters of ours.
"Conor felt that he would probably go out in front, but he said if someone wanted to go faster that would be fine. He gave her a super ride and she jumped brilliantly so it's all good, I'm delighted. We will enjoy today and see what's coming up for her. She could possibly go to Listowel."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
