Railway Tommy powers home in the north

Railway Tommy with Barry Geraghty booked for the first time, saw out the three miles well in The Weatherbys Printing Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

The 4/1 favourite was held up before mounting his challenge two out. The headed Portrait King (13/2) pressed him from the last, but went down by two lengths. Sardinia was five lengths adrift in third at 12/1 from 16s.

Barry Geraghty commented: "He did it well. The ground was tacky, but he ground it out well."

Handler Peter Fahey said: "He probably does want a trip. He probably wants the ground not as heavy as it was over winter. He's getting his act together. He'll go for fences next year. The Two Six Six Syndicate are all relatives of mine - in laws."

In an attritional race, four horses were pulled up - Samanntom After Aspen Bahati Boy and Pros 'N' Cons