Building Bridges delights Taphouse Syndicate

Building Bridges was roared home by the Taphouse Syndicate who were out in force for the extended 2m4f handicap hurdle in Down Royal.

The 12/1 shot was always prominent under Oran McGill and made headway to lead at the bypassed third last. He moved clear two out and kept on well to see off 5/2 favourite Ossifer Hops by two and a half lengths. Francois took third at 20/1, some seven lengths further back.

Trainer Gary McGill said: "There's a big syndicate of boys that own this horse. They are all Bellaghy men from Co Derry.

"DJ O'Kane owns the Taphouse Restaurant in Bellaghy and he is raising funds for Leukemia. He was running a day at the races today.

"We pencilled this race in about two months ago and lucky enough it came off.

"The fourth in Leopardstown was a good run on ground I'd say didn't suit him. He's a summer horse. He's an ex-Flat horse and a good ground horse.

"We were a wee bit afraid that the ground was maybe too good, we didn't want to do him any harm.

"We'll see what the handicapper does.

"We've already schooled him over fences and he jumps well.

"He's a lovely horse and he's easy to work with."