Gone Racing finishes well under Landers

Mark McNiff's string have been showing signs of hitting form in recent weeks and he saddled his second winner of the month with Gone Racing at Roscommon.

The seven-year-old gelding defied top weight of 12 stone in the second split of the opportunity handicap hurdle. Jack Holiday the 3/1 favourite, led throughout was collared by Presenting Lad after the third last.

Gone Racing moved into second at the penultimate flight as Jack Holiday weakened. He then took a narrow lead upon jumping the last and soon outgunned Presenting Lad on the run-in.

The 15/2 chance, partnered by Cathal Landers, scored by four lengths from the 11/1 runner-up. Peace Party got up for third at 14/1 from Jack Holiday in fourth.

McNiff said: "He did it well. The main reason he won is definitely the owners because when the ground wasn't right and balloting was a serious issue they didn't panic.

“They gave me the space to get him right for the right day and line up as many ducks in a row as I could.

“He'll probably go chasing now but we'll see what comes up.”

Gone Racing other success came in a handicap hurdle at Tramore last summer.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson