Larkin leads the way

Larkin became the third front-runner to score on the evening at Down Royal when making virtually all under Robbie Colgan in the two and three quarter miles Sean Graham Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle.

Owned by former attorney general John Rogers, the six-year-old gelding kept on well in the closing stages to beat Nuggets Of Wisdom by two and a half lengths. Cerveza Dinero (6/1) was a further seven length adrift in third, with Point The Toes (12/1) fourth. Jamsie Hall (5/2-6/4 fav) never really looked like getting involved after jumping quite deliberately throughout and eventually finished eighth.

Davy Condon was cautioned by the stewards to be seen to make more effort aboard the favourite. In his defence Condon stated that his mount took a heavy fall on the way to the start, which resulted in the race being delayed by eight minutes. The gelding subsequently trotted to the start sound.

Condon also explained that he suffered an interrupted run throughout the race and, after landing awkwardly at the third last, he eased his mount. He added that the gelding didn't travel as well as he normally would.

Trainer Clare MacMahon was satisfied with the ride, and the gelding was post-race normal on examination.

Winning trainer Pat Downey said: “He really disappointed last time and previously we didn't make enough use of him at Limerick. He's a summer horse and jumped super today.”

The Slane trainer has been making an impression since taking out a licence last December and, after getting underway with just four horses, has now built his string up to 18.

Alan Magee