Mystic strikes for McNiff

Mystic Princess stayed on best in the closing stages to claim the mares handicap hurdle Downpatrick for Mark McNiff.

11/4 Annie Alainn cut out the running in the 2m1f event but was joined by Mystic Princess two out as Bell Of The Ball also challenged.

Derek Fox drove 7/1 shot Mystic Princess to the front after the last and she ran on gamely in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters success over Bell Of The Ball.

Annie Alainn was two-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Mystic Princess was recording her second career win having scored at Sligo just under 12 months ago. She hadn't run since finishing well beaten at Musselburgh back in January.

"She ran very well twice here last year and showed a good liking for the track,” said McNiff.

“It didn't look an overly strong race, she liked the track and had a nice weight, so she had a good each way chance. Derek got the run of the race.

"She'll probably go to Sligo on the 23rd."

The winner had been backed from 16/1 this morning.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)