Now Where Or When a popular local winner at Down Royal

Now Where Or When survived a bad mistake at the first fence before going on to take the Start Your Free Trial Now At racingtv.com Handicap Chase at Down Royal.

Trained locally in Lisburn by Stuart Crawford, the seven-year-old was fortunate to remain in the race after getting the first all wrong. Jockey Sam Ewing worked wonders to remain in the saddle and keep his mount off the ground.

Always front rank from there, the gelding jumped well after that initial blunder and led the field into the home straight. The Greek threw down a serious challenge after the last and for a few strides looked as though he would give trainer Gordon Elliott a four-timer on the day but try as he might, Jack Kennedy couldn't persuade the six-year-old to go by.

The winner and runner up got quite close inside the last 100 yards and a stewards enquiry was called but no alterations were made to the result.

Stuart Crawford said: "I was very tempted to be going for the race tomorrow with him over three miles (handicap chase). Two miles is plenty short enough, I know he won the beginners' over two miles.

"Stepping up into better company, he definitely wants further. I was just worried about tomorrow if we get a deluge here tonight it could open up.

"He's a grand big horse. He has never really run a bad race, he has been very consistent and sure hopefully he will keep progressing.

"Daryl Jacob rode him in the spring for us at Fairyhouse and he suggested to have a go with him over the National fences, so that could be an option down the line.

"That's Sam's first winner for me and sure hopefully he will get a few more. He gave him a great ride. He's had a good few rides for me but it is good to get a winner for him.

"After the first (fence), he was gaining at every fence."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham