Itchymei'mscratch scores on debut

Newcomer Itchymei'mscratch got up close home to win the bumper at Downpatrick, the Having The Best Time Ever Flat Race, scoring under Nina Carberry for Gordon Elliott.

This six-year-old son of Definite Article was sent off the 7/2 second favourite, with Tempest Missile going to post the short price 5/4 favourite (opened 6/4 on-course) for Willie and Patrick Mullins.

Settled right out the back, the winner made good progress through the field over five furlongs out, and he was a close-up fifth with three furlongs left to race.

He was under pressure in third two furlongs from home and he was switched to the outer with 150 yards from the line, getting up in the shadow of the post to win by a head.

Tempest Missile was the one he grinded down and she had to settle for second, while Cliffside Park ran a big race to take third, a further three parts of a length back under Declan Queally for Garrett Power at 16/1.

The front three went fifteen lengths clear of High In The Clouds who finished fourth.

Gordon Elliott said afterwards: "Nina said nothing worked out for him in the race so getting the win was great.

"He might get a break and go hurdling. The owner Charles Flattery is from Summerhill, Co Meath."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham