Size Five still ahead of the handicapper

Having returned from a long absence to land a gamble at Perth last month, where he cruised home by 20 lengths, Size Five (6/5 fav) followed up in the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle.

This was harder work for the lightly-raced son of Califet who was pushed along in mid-division before three but Oran McGill's mount came good in the straight and led before the last to beat Tullyveery Lad by three lengths.

Co Derry trainer Noel Kelly said of his wife Shauna's six-year-old: "it wasn't a pretty watch and he gave us a scare but Oran thought they went awfully quick early on. He had intended to sit fifth or sixth but he didn't travel the best and the ground might have been too quick for him.

"He went on to do the job though and that's what you want.

"You'd think the handicapper was wrong by giving him 17lb for winning at Perth but looking at it today, he was probably right. I thought he had been harsh on him but at least he has come out and won again.

"Oran is in the yard all the time and is a top-class lad to ride. His instructions today were 'you know him better than me, so ride him the way you want!'"

Quotes from Tom Weekes