Full Noise delivers over fences

Full Noise was a comfortable winner of the Cosy Roof Handicap Steeplechase over an extended 2m3f in Downpatrick.

The 4/5 favourite was pushed along by Keith Donoghue to challenge Likable Chancer on the run-in and hit the front in the closing stages.

From there, he drew two-and-three-quarter-lengths clear of the 13/2 runner-up. General Ryan (25/1) finished 11 lengths further away in third.

Trainer Ronan McNally said: "Keith was disappointed with his jumping, he said his heart was in his mouth the whole way. He said he wasn't happy with his jumping and that has been his achilles heel. That is why he is rated a wee bit lower than over hurdles.

"I dont know why, he jumps well at home but when he goes to the track the jockeys never seem just as happy as they should be.

"He wouldn't have blew you away maybe over the last two - Keith said they were his best jumps.

"You say that (on a fair mark), it looks a fair mark because of his hurdle rating but he has only won beating a fairly exposed horse. I don't think the handicapper can be too hard on him and maybe give him another chance.

"Possibly step him up in trip and give him a wee bit more time with his jumping. He's still big and raw, he's a big baby. He still needs a bit more time, he's still a bit weak and you can see there is a long space between his runs to try and let him strengthen.

"Keith is a horseman, he hunts them around. He's very, very good."

On selling his horses, he added: "I have sold two just. The better horses I didn't get offered the money I thought they were worth so they didn't go. A few of the cheaper ones went."

On the upcoming appeal (29th May) in relation to his ban, he added: "I'll be glad to get it over. Mentally it has put me in some dark places, so I just can't wait to get the whole thing over and done with."

Full Noise has two handicap hurdle victories in his locker.