Another Beneficial-bred horse proved a liking for the soft ground at Down Royal as Mount Colah trained by local trainer Jerry Cosgrave dominated the 19-runner two mile maiden hurdle to win by two lengths.

Mount Colah was sent off 2/1 market leader on the back of a bumper win here on St Stephen’s Day and a subsequent run in seventh behind Buckers Bridge at Punchestown and scored readily in the hands of Noel McParlan.

“He needed that and he’ll improve off that. I’ve held him due to the weather but turned him out as he will probably handle softer than that,” successful trainer Jerry Cosgrave from Banbridge, Co Down, said.

“He’s not a big horse. He ran a good race at Punchestown, but picked up a wee injury there.”

Grey horse Birzali trained by Colm Murphy and ridden by Ben Dalton took second at 10/1 while 3/1 chance Somethingdifferent landed third placed prize money for Jessica Harrington and Tommy Treacy.

Michael Graham