Ravenhill (closest) jumps the last with Freewheelin Dylan© Photo Healy Racing
Ravenhill followed-up on his recent win at Downpatrick, as he took the Add Kilbegganraces On Snapchat Novice Hurdle.
Successful in a point-to-point for George Stewart in March of 2016, the eight-year-old son of Winged Love got off the mark on his fourth racecourse start at Downpatrick.
Stepped up in trip to three mile one today, he was sent off the well-supported even money favourite in the colours of the Try Ravenhill Syndicate.
Settled behind the leaders by Davy Russell, the Gordon Elliott trained gelding was fourth with a circuit to race.
He took closer order from two out, and improved to dispute the lead with market rival Freewheelin Dylan at the final flight, with just a head separating them at the line.
The runner-up was returned at 13/8 (from 7/2 in early shows) under Conor Maxwell for Dermot McLoughlin, while Reach Up was twenty lengths back in third.
Elliott said afterwards: "Davy gave him a good ride and said he just had to sit and sit. He didn't go too wide on him because he's a big horse. He was good and brave, and winged the last. It was close but we got there.
"I was a bit nervous running back so quick but it was a good opportunity. He does nothing fancy at home but keeps galloping.
"Going up in trip didn't do any harm and I’d say he’ll jump a fence sooner rather than later. He's a big chaser."
Davy Russell added: "They have done a masterful job on the ground. We are quick enough to give out when we're not happy but they have done some job and produced lovely ground."
STEWARDS REPORT
L.P. Gilligan, rider of Steelambition trained by Paul W. Flynn, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle the track.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
