Fitzgerald gets Realm home in thriller

Shane Fitzgerald needed to be at his strongest to get Quantum Realm up close home in an exciting finish to the Joe Rea Memorial Opportunity Beginners Chase at Downpatrick.

Fitzgerald made headway in third on the run to the final fence but looked to have work to do with Gateau De Miel travelling noticeably well on his outside and leader Paddys Planet still in contention. However, a mistake at the last saw the latter exit the race, leading to a straight match on the run-in.

Despite being slightly inconvenienced by the faller, Quantum Realm got back on an even keel and Fitzgerald made for the inside rail.

It was a real ding dong battle all the way up the hill but the Gordon Elliott trained horse just pulled out that bit extra.

Both Fitzgerald and Conor Brassil on the runner-up gave it everything and neither man deserved to lose.

Stable representative Lisa O'Neill said: "Shane (Fitzgerald) was delighted with the way he jumped around there and he battled well up to the finish post.

"Obviously he ran in a handicap the last day, so back down into beginners' company definitely stood to him.

"He's a nice individual and Ray Stokes the owner is very lucky, he has some really nice horses. Hopefully he can progress from here.

"He tends to enjoy those conditions so hopefully we can find something similar maybe in handicap company."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham