"I had ridden him in point-to-points and he wasn't staying the three miles. He has plenty of boot. He's a nice horse, a quick horse," reasoned winning rider Declan Queally after his mount Mr Antolini ran away with the concluding Horse First (Pro/Am) Flat Race at Downpatrick.

Garrett Power 's charge chased even money favourite Master Of Verse in a moderate second, he improved to lead half a mile from home, and he went clear travelling well two furlongs out.

The son of Catcher In The Rye, a 9/2 chance on this occasion, stayed on strongly in the final furlong for an impressive eighteen length verdict over Grand Crusader

The aforementioned Master Of Verse faded into fourth, whilst it was even more bleak for supporters of second market choice, Moonman way back in second last.

This was Mr Antolini's second start on the racecourse proper; he'd finished second in a maiden hurdle at Thurles 38 days back.

(MG & EM)