McBratney’s fancy for 20/1 shot Benefit North proves spot on

Cathal McGovern and Colin McBratney, the 2009 Galway Plate winning owner and trainer combination, put a 20/1 success on the board with Benefit North in the Racing TV Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Ballyholland under Andrew McNamara, captured the Ballybrit summer highlight for McGovern and McBratney, over ten years ago at this stage, and like that Tiraaz gelding, Benefit North started off in point-to-points.

Connections have been patient with Benefit North, who here, at nine-years-of-age, was winning for the first time since a debut victory ‘between the flags’ in April 2017.

With Denis O’Regan up, Benefit North raced in mid-division, before making good headway to lead after four out.

Travelling well and clear two out, the son of Beneficial was pushed along after the last.

He was ridden and stayed on well close home to beat Kilmurry by a length and three parts.

"That was a great ride from Denis (O'Regan) and he's a great man to have on board," said McBratney.

"He's a very, very pacey horse. He travels so easy and we knew he would travel at the top of the hill. He got a couple of lengths and was able to freewheel down the hill.

"I was expecting a good run. Bryan Cooper rode him in Leopardstown the last day and said he was only in second gear when he fell at the second last.

"The form has since been franked, so we thought we were going to be bang there today.

"There was a bit of money for him, but we have nothing to spend it on!"

The Stewards interviewed N.P. Madden, rider of Kilmurry, 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.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account cautioned him on this occasion.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Accidental Rebel (GB), trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have skin abrasions to his right foreleg but was otherwise post race normal.

(MG & EM)