Slope just edges three-way thriller

The Gradual Slope just emerged on top after a thrilling three-way finish to the rated novice hurdle at Down Royal. Fameaftertheglory cut out the running in the two-mile-one contest but was joined on either side by The Gradual Slope and Marelly going to the last flight.

The front-runner stuck on well but it was the other pair who had it between them close home with The Gradual Slope, under Cian Quirke, just having his head down at the right time to secure a nose victory at the line.

Trainer Sean O'Brien, who trains the Shantou gelding for Mark McDonagh, said afterwards:-

"I was down on the track and Gordon (Elliott) said that the outside horse (Marelly) had got up! Cian was very confident he got up.

"He ran really well the last day in Leopardstown (finished sixth), it was his first run after a summer's break. We gave him a long break for the summer because he had been on the go a good while. He would develop more and he did great during the summer.

"We went to Leopardstown just hoping for a nice run and, turning out of the back, he just got into a little bit of bother, and Aidan (Coleman) looked after him. He was mad about him and said it would leave him spot on for the next day. He said two or two and half miles would be ideal.

"We were very lucky to get the run today - we got into a little bit of bother, we had a good position and then we lost it. Going down the inside probably won the race for him. He's a young fella not short of confidence and he's great value (for his 7lb claim).

"He will go for the three-mile handicap at Leopardstown (Dublin Racing Festival). He'll obviously get in just right. Three miles is a bit of an unknown for him, but definitely worth a crack. He's a horse that jumps well and he will actually like the nicer ground around Leopardstown. He ran really well in a novice handicap over two (miles) there.

"I'm looking forward to him, he is a grand horse and has a great attitude. He jumps well and is tough and honest. Typical Shantou I suppose.

"I'm delighted for Mark McDonagh, he is not here but is a really good client of mine and has been very loyal, so it is great to get winners for a fella like that."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)