Step Out shows "a little bit of toe" to deservedly get off the mark

It all came together for the consistent Step Out as he got off the mark at the ninth time of asking in the Randox Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.

With favourite and runner-up Intense Approach not exactly helped by his hurdling, J J Slevin produced the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned and Stuart Crawford-trained Walk In The Park gelding nicely between horses from before the last.

A length and three parts separated Step Out (2/1) and Intense Approach (11/8) at the finish. The Mediator ended up nine lengths off them in third.

Slevin stated in the aftermath: "I should have listened to Stuart before now, he always said to hang onto him as he has a little bit of toe. I used him once or twice and probably cost him the race, so you should probably always listen to the trainer as they know the horse!

"I was going forward (at the last) and had the horse to take me where I wanted to go.

"I think so (trip the key to him), he's a big chaser down the line hopefully."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Punch Perfect (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

P. Townend, rider of Punch Perfect (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Western Ability trained by D.M. Christie, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left.

(MG & EM)