Back to back Cork Stakes for Downforce

He won the Cork Stakes at Cork in 2017 and Downforce repeated the feat in the Listed sprint, run today at Navan.

Billy Lee lost his father Mick on Easter Monday and here the very talented County Limerick pilot made all aboard Willie McCreery's Downforce.

Try as he might odds-on favourite Son Of Rest couldn't bridge the gap and at the line there was a length and a quarter between them.

McCreery said afterwards: "If it's barely raceable on Friday he may run again (rescheduled Gladness Stakes at Naas). That's his surface.

"The last day I think we disappointed him by holding him up. Billy let him roll today and it was an uncomplicated race. It was the right tactic today.

"We'll see how he bounces out of this. He's gone clever now, and there is not a blow out of him. He's minding himself so I don't have to mind him any more.

"We'll be hard on him now as he has all summer off because he can't go on the other ground. If there is anything there in the next couple of weeks he'll run in it."

The Stewards requested a report from W. McCreery, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Downforce, placed first, as compared with its recent form.

The trainer reported that this horse was ridden with restraint the last day, gave a blow at the furlong pole, and ran poorly.

Today he was sent on sooner which seemed to bring about a return to form.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.

(AM & EM)