McManus and Walsh team up for big h'cap win

The J.P.McManus owned Stocktons Wing landed the Grade C Billecart-Salmon Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal today, scoring for trainer Charles O'Brien and in form rider Mark Walsh.

The son of Jeremy quickened well from the second last and stayed on well for a comfortable length and three parts of a length win over Fethard Player

Afterwards O'Brien stated “he deserved it in fairness as he doesn't know how to run a bad race.

“You just wonder with him creeping up the handicap would he win a big one and we'll look at Fairyhouse at the end of November and then Leopardstown at Christmas.

“He could probably do with a little break at some stage as he has been on the go a long time.”

Stocktons Wing was recording his first win since February 2013 while Walsh was recording his 41st winner of an already successful season.

Quotes from Michael Graham