Must Meet Cecil records second Claiming win for Collins

Must Meet Cecil registered his second win of the year in claiming company when staying on in determined fashion to land the opening Bright Motor Group Claiming Hurdle at Bellewstown.

A maiden hurdle winner at Tipperary last year, the five-year-old appeared to lose his way somewhat before taking a claimer at Sligo on his penultimate start. Although ultimately well beaten back in handicap company at that same track last time, he relished the drop down in class once again this afternoon.

Leading before the second last flight, the Cian Collins trained gelding faced a strong sustained challenge from Bal De Rio from the back of that hurdle but the latter could never quite get his head in front.

The pair came very close on the run-in, with a stewards enquiry being needed to determine if interference took place but after deliberations the result stood.

At the line, only a neck separated the pair with the verdict going in favour of the Tom Sheridan owned gelding.

Cian Collins said: "That's his grade and he's hardy enough.

"We weren't sure about the two and a-half miles but he stayed it there today. We gave him a bit of a chance early.

"Carl gave him a great ride and he's grand for that grade.

"He loves good ground and to make plenty of use of him, he's just a big galloper."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.

Bal De Rio(10k) was subsequently claimed by James McAuley to be trained by himself. Jungle Prose (15k) was claimed by Michael J Cleary to be trained by Andrew Slattery.