Short doubles up on Fairymount Boy

Fairymount Boy rewarded favourite backers with success in the two mile one handicap chase at Downpatrick.

The well backed 11/8 favourite held Peacocks Secret (7/1) by a length and a half at the winning post. Honest Robber completed the placings in third at 7/1.

Fairymount Boy gave jockey Adam Short a double on the card as he also scored on Shipwreck in race three.

Handler Michael P. Hourigan said: "He was probably in front too soon today and swishing tails, he didn't swish them the last day. He looks well handicapped over fences on what he has done over hurdles and he has kind of turned the corner. Please God he will keep improving.

"The way things are it is possible (he could do well in a big handicap). My hands were tied in coming here today because of his rating and trying to find a race.

"He has handled this track so I would look at Galway but it would be the weekend in Galway, there wouldn't be anything else earlier on in the week. There's Killarney and I might give some of the festivals a rattle! We'll keep him on the go.

"I will probably stick with fences for now. He has jumped well today. He is a different horse this year. I just hope it is upwards and onwards with him.

"He has had bits of problems - he was done for his wind ages ago and he had kissing spines.

"The owner Pat Hayes is from Ballinrobe. My main aim would be to get him a win there some time during the summer. It could be a Ballinrobe meeting he goes to next."