Down avoids trouble to win at Kilbeggan again

The perils of punting at Kilbeggan came to the fore on the opening day of the season at the County Westmeath venue when Down Under (14/1) got up near the line to win the Sean Hughes Memorial Mullingar Park Hotel Handicap Chase.

Well-fancied second market choice, Buck Dancing (Davy Russell up), tried to get up the inner of the leader, Fr Humphrey from before the straight.

He well and truly ran out of room on the tight run-in, as plenty still held a squeak, with Down Under avoiding the scrimmaging under Mark Walsh to get up and 'nick it' by a neck.

Buck Dancing ended up a length and a quarter back in third.

There was no alteration to the judge's placings following a steward's enquiry.

Down Under is owned by J P McManus and is trained by Francis Flood, and he was gaining his second win at Kilbeggan here.

Fran Flood junior said: "He obviously saves his best for around here. They tend to go fast and get tired, and he can come back at them. He could come back here for something like the Midlands National."

Just over five and half lengths covered the first seven home.

The Stewards enquired into possible interference from the road crossing to the latter stages involving Buck Dancing, ridden by D.N. Russell, placed third and Fr Humphrey, ridden by M.P. Fogarty, placed second. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings and took no further action.

The Stewards requested a report from F. Flood, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Down Under, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer's representative reported that his charge is an inconsistent type who has disappointed in the past but is a previous course winner. He also felt that today's race didn't take alot of winning. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

(AM & EM)