O'Connell earns the plaudits on Urban Gale

Folks involved with both Urban Gale and Clancy Strand could be seen right near the action as the pair battled it out in a rousing conclusion to the Bingo Handicap Chase at Downpatrick and trainer Philip Rothwell was the one smiling when the outcome was revealed, as his charge, the first-mentioned, prevailed by a nose.

Brian O'Connell was strong on the victorious City Honours gelding and indeed he was safe and secure in the plate too as Urban Gale made more than one mistake.

It was hardly surprising then to hear Rothwell say: "Brian did a great job to get him around and in contention. He's strong in the finish too.

"That horse isn't the cleverest jumper in the world so we have to keep him to the smaller tracks.

"Gavin (Kinch, winning owner) is from Gorey in Wexford and it's great to get a winner for him as he was at my open day ten years ago and my recent one as well." (MG & EM)