McParlan & McBratney combine with Triolet

Triolet ran out an easy winner of the Sean Graham Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle, scoring for local trainer Colin McBratney.

Second and third on his last two starts, the seven-year-old son of Westerner certainly wasn't winning out of turn, as he went off a 7/1 chance in the colours of the Monkey Formula Syndicate.

Settled in mid-division by Noel McParlan, he took closer order from three out and got a nice run through on the inner to lead before the next.

He soon eased clear, and never came off the bridle, coming home four and a half lengths to the good. William Tyndale ran a fine race to finish second at 33/1 under Donagh Meyler for Karl Thornton, while the 5/2 joint-favourite Small World was five lengths back in third.

That Peter Fahey trained gelding had no luck in running, and kept on well on the run-in to take minor honours under Davy Russell. Uptake (33/1) completed the placings a neck back in fourth with Danny Hand in the saddle for Dermot McLoughlin. Steamboat Quay was the other joint-favourite and he crashed out at the fourth under Mark Walsh for Gordon Elliott.

Colin McBratney said afterwards: "He was serious today. The last two times he has been beaten it has been pure speed that beat him. He didn'' get the run of the race in Punchestown and actually didn't today. Noel gave him a fantastic ride to switch to the inner and go for a gap down the inside. He had the horse to go and do it.

"Maybe we were making too much use of the horse, he showed there he has a turn of foot. There were no Galileo's there tonight that were going to come and do him for speed! Noel thought one thing - to make sure he set sail as soon as he can and take the speed out of them behind.

"I'm delighted for Noel and the boys. There's a nice handicap hurdle in Perth on the 16th of July worth a few quid. It's a 0-115 so they may not even let him into it.

"The Monkey Formula Syndicate are all from Belfast and are great lads. It's their first venture into a horse. Simon Maxwell heads it up and he knows form, he reads form inside out. He's always right!

"He'll jump a fence in time, I would say before the end of the summer."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed C. Brassil, rider, in relation to the use of a mobile phone in the parade ring, prior to this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 16 and severly cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham