Rothwell welcomes winner after 'tough week'

Cullenwaine responded well for Phidelma Elvin up the hill to land the first division of the Randox amateur handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

Philip Rothwell 's charge was to the fore throughout in the two-mile-five contest and was driven into the lead going to the final flight. Pettigo came to join him after the last but Cullenwaine found plenty for pressure and the 10/3 joint-favourite asserted in the closing stages to record a five-length win.

The winner was gaining compensation having been denied by a short-head on his previous outing at Limerick.

Philip Rothwell said: "I've had a really tough week - I lost one of my best horses in training who got cast and broke a bone in his knee. I was put on RTE Investigates on Thursday and I've no idea why. A picture was taken off my promotional video on my website and put on RTE and I've no idea why.

"I'm hugely hurt over it. They (RTE) sent me a letter, but they sent a lot of trainers a letter and they listed out eight horses of mine that ended up there (Shannonside Foods) over the years. They were in my premises at one time.

"One was a mare that was with me 12 years ago and I haven't seen her in 12 years. Four others that have had foals for breeders since - nothing got to do with me. Two of them I had sent to agents that could have been riding horses (for racehorses to riding). I always send mine to agents to get a chance to be riding horses.

"I have never been there (Shannonside Foods) in my life. I didn't comment on it and I don't know why they (RTE) took a picture of me off my own promotional video and put it up without my permission. I'm hugely hurt over it.

"I think everybody in racing knows that there is nobody that cares as much as I do and I found it very difficult.

"Coming up today, I got a phonecall from home that another one of my horses died of a heart attack. I've lost two horses which I care deeply about."

On the winner, he added: "He deserved to win, he has been placed a couple of times last year. He loves good ground and it is proper good ground.  

"Phidelma has been very lucky in those amateur races, great to get a winner for her as well.

"Jim (Guilfoyle) is a super supporter and Baltinglass Hill won for him earlier in the week.

"I don't think trip really matters - ground and getting to do his thing was a huge thing. He'll go back over fences as well. He's a summer horse.

"I never needed a winner as bad in my life for my own sake."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)