Course completes near 276/1 treble for Cromwell & Donoghue

Due Course completed a near 276/1 treble for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue, as he claimed the second divide of the John Purfield Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Previously trained by Pat O'Rourke and bought by current connections for 10,500 pounds after winning a point-to-point at Borris in April, the Sageburg six-year-old failed to make a significant impact in two starts since.

Sent off a 4/1 chance this evening, the 90-rated victor was settled behind the leaders by Donoghue, improving to the front on the approach to the straight.

Pushed along from the second last, he soon increased his advantage and ridden on the run-in, he eventually came home two-and-three-quarters of a length to the good.

The Jimmy Barcoe-trained Hollow Spark (12/1) filled the runner-up spot under Kieran Callaghan, while the 11-year-old Cottage Artist (14/1) was another five-and-a-half lengths away in third.

Top-weight Malbas was returned the 16/5 favourite, but he faded tamely from the second last and eventually finished sixth.

"It is a happy hunting ground and they do a fantastic job here, they get a great crowd. I'm from very local to here and always love having winners here," Cromwell, who was earlier on the mark with Routine Excellence and Millforce commented.

"I'm delighted for the owners, they have had a few with me and haven't had a winner for quite a while.

"I don't think he will be going three miles, maybe two and a-half.

"I'd say we could potentially go chasing with him sooner rather than later."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Owing to ground conditions in the area, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for the third last to be omitted from this race.

K. Callaghan, rider of Hollow Spark, trained by James M. Barcoe, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that he dropped his whip at the second last.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham