14:50
Northern Ireland On Course Bookmakers Association Novice Handicap Hurdle
2m1f65y, Hurdle, 4yo+, 6 runners
Winning time 4m 17.80s
- Going
- Good To Yielding
- Surface
- Turf
- Jumps
- 8 hurdles
Result
Paul Townend
W P Mullins
Settled behind the pace - 3rd at halfway - dropped to 4th after 2 out under pressure - back to 3rd approaching last then 2nd inside final 100 yards - stayed on to score right on the line
Sam Ewing
Noel Meade
Sat close to the front group early - moved into second by halfway - hit the front 4 out - driven out approaching the last - held on gamely but had nothing more left and was passed close to the line
Jack Kennedy
Gordon Elliott
Towards back of pack early - up to 4th by halfway - 3rd with three furlongs left - moved up to second after the following obstacle - pushed along entering straight - lost momentum inside final furlong to finish third and stayed on to the line
Tom Harney (7)
Ross O'Sullivan
Held up towards the back early - up to 5th at halfway - moved into 2nd four out - held that spot until brushed by a loose horse after 2 out - lost momentum and slipped back before rallying late to take 4th
Conor Owens (7)
P J Rothwell
Held up towards the back - unable to land a blow - eventually finished fifth
Ben Harvey
John C McConnell
Disputed front spot early - jinked right 4 out and lost rider
Draw in brackets. Headgear: b blinkers, v visor, h hood, t tongue strap, p cheekpieces, e/s eye shield; ¹ first time. C course winner, D distance winner, CD course and distance winner. Form reads oldest to newest.