Friendless Indian takes the last

Despite being completely friendless in the market, Indian Road Runner just got up close home to win the last at Kilbeggan this evening, the kilbegganraces.ie INH Flat Race, for trainer Patrick Downey and jockey Johnny King.

The son of Indian Creek finished a good third on his debut at Fairyhouse last month behind Storm Of Swords and he opened at 3/1 this morning with Paddy Powers.

Having been friendless throughout the day he opened on-course at 7/1 before drifting out further to 9/1 at the off.

After racing in mid-division, he made good progress to close up on the leaders from under four furlongs out.

He gained a narrow lead inside the final furlong and he stayed on well in the closing stages to win by half a length at the line.

The Donal Coffey trained newcomer Danity Diva (20/1), had to settle for second under Harley Dunne, after she made a brave attempt at making all.

Massini’s Brook was a further length back in third at 25/1 under Sonny Carey for Noel Lawlor while the 4/6 favourite Dr Schultz could only manage fourth under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie.

Winning breeder John Crawley, father of winning owner Shane, said afterwards; "He had a nice run the first day at Fairyhouse when he was green and I don’t know where he will go now.

"He has won his bumper so he’ll go on from here."

Trainer Patrick Downey (Slane, Co Meath) was recording his first success since Larkin won at Down Royal in August of 2011.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson