Bridges springs shock for the McGills

Building Bridges sprang a 28/1 shock for father and son team Gary and Oran McGill in the Randox Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

The New Approach gelding had been pulled up when last seen at Down Royal in October and was easy to back on his return.

Oran McGill, riding his second 'track' winner, won the early battle for the lead on his mount and he skipped a few lengths clear going to the final flight.

Building Bridges kept on strongly on the run-in to get the job done, scoring by five-and-a-half lengths over Lily Light Foot who stayed on for second.

The winning rider said afterwards:- "We sort of expected it, he was going well at home.

“He always went from the front in England and we thought he was too keen. We tried him from behind, so today we said we would give it a shot out in front. He loved it.

"We got a breather at the top of the hill and he kicked on down it and ran on right to the line.

"I think that's 10 or 11 (winners) altogether for me now (second under rules)."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)