Red an easy winner on debut for Callaghan

Redclue got off the mark on his first start for Gillian Callaghan as he ran out an easy winner of the Strictly At Downpatrick Races Handicap Hurdle.

Previously trained by Marco Botti, Louise Allan and most recently Clare Cannon the ten-year-old son of Red Clubs was available at 8/1 this morning opening on-course at 4's before going off a 7/2 chance.

Seventh after three out he made good progress into third before the next. He hit the front on the run to the last and he kept on well from there to score easily by twenty lengths. Lunch Master finished second under Andrew Ring for Philip Rothwell at 14/1 while Replacement Plan (9/1) was a further six lengths back in third under Kevin Sexton for Paul Flynn. Kilcross Boy was sent off the 3/1 favourite but he could only manage fifth under Mikey Butler for Eoin Doyle.

Gillian Callaghan said afterwards: "A good first run for us. We probably have him six or seven weeks. He schooled well over hurdles. He's genuine and better ground would suit him better.

"That's the first winner for the syndicate (E R Syndicate). There are four in it and they are from Sligo and Donegal."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham