Youngster Mordor progressing nicely and beats old-stager Dollar Value

One of the youngest in the line-up four-year-old Mordor (15/8) justified favouritism in the Congratulations To Pinkerton On Winning The Tote Galway Plate Rated Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Vastly more experienced and very talented on a going day, the nine-year-old second market choice Dollar Value (85/40) gave it a right good go from the front.

Tom McCourt 's grey eventually had to give way in the closing stages as the top two left the rest in their wake. The Big Chap in first time cheek-pieces, ran better than he did at Galway a week ago, and finished third on this occasion. The winning distances were three and a half lengths and eleven lengths.

Afterwards winning jockey Sam Ewing reflected on the Ray Stokes-owned and Gordon Elliott-trained winner: "Yes, it is (20th winner of the season) - I've got off to a flyer, so hopefully it stays going.

"He was (crying out for a step up in trip). He ran a very good race in Galway and stayed on best at the finish.

"He's obviously improving too, that was a good horse he beat today in Dollar Value. It is still onwards and upwards for him.

"He's getting lots and lots more experience all the time which seems to be helping him. He's thriving in his racing, so hopefully he keeps stepping forward.

"Probably a bit unlucky at Galway, so he's getting exciting for the future.

"He (Dollar Value) can be a tough one to get past and he has been beating me the last two weeks!"

(MG & EM)