Big Dee looks the part

Owner Sean Maguire and trainer Eoin McCarthy had a runner-up earlier on the card with Fast Felix but they struck gold in the finale, the Ladbrokes (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Down Royal, courtesy of the John Barry-partnered Big Dee (15/2).

Dominant force Gordon Elliott saddled the second and third here, Cleatus Poolaw and Pay The Tab They couldn't live with the sweet-travelling Vadamos youngster Big Dee though. Second on debut at the Listowel Festival, the promising type scored by four lengths and eight lengths here.

Said McCarthy: "Nothing really went to plan in the bumper at Listowel, they went no gallop and we just got outsprinted. He was just green and babyish.

"He learned from that experience on a big galloping track here and he settled much better for the experience.

"For a yard like mine, I'd hate to see him go - he's what we are looking for.

"I'd say he will stay the bumper route for now anyway. We'll see what is coming up on the programme.

"He's a light-framed horse, so he probably won't be out again for another while. He still has to fill out into himself.

"He's a lovely horse going forward.

"He jumps like a buck, he has been away schooling hurdles."

Mr F. Maguire, rider of Joya Del Mar trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran green and ran off the bend.

(MG & EM)