So Near So Farhh, left, jumps the last in the lead© Photo Healy Racing
Local trainer Colin McBratney enjoyed a welcome winner when So Near So Farhh stayed on best to land the Franco Hughes Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle in Downpatrick.
The six-year-old mare was supported from a morning price of 25/1 to 14/1 on the off.
She made good headway on the inner to lead at the last and kept on strongly up the hill to score by four lengths. Dazzling Darren the 9/4 favourite, could make no impression on her in second on the run-in. He was two and three quarter lengths clear of third-placed Amlad (9/2).
McBratney said: "That was badly needed. I'm well pleased for the owner and my staff. Everybody needed it to give us a lift.
"We tried everything with her - we have been holding her up and we ran her on the Flat in Down Royal to sharpen her a piece and she was just outclassed.
"Today I said to James (O'Sullivan) ' we have nothing to lose, jump out and be on the premises the whole time and see what happens' and he said it just made the difference as she was far more interested.
"She is what she is and that is seven races she has won now (including four on the Flat in Britain for Mick Channon). That's a fair achievement. We hope the handicapper doesn't go mad with her and she will slip through somewhere again.
"James is a great rider for his claim, he rides well and talks a lot of sense when he gets off."
