Friendless Sarwistan holds off John The friendless Sarwistan held off the late effort of John Monash to win the opener at Downpatrick, the All Things Byerley Maiden Hurdle. Having shown promise on his first few starts the winning son of Nayef had been very disappointing so far this year. He was as short as 5/2 in a place last night, opening on-course at 11/2 before going off a 6/1 chance in the colours of John Breslin. Prominent in the early stages he was soon settled behind the leaders and was third with a circuit to race. He was pushed along to challenge before the last and he was soon ridden to lead, doing enough in the closing stages to hold off John Monash and Bryan Cooper by a neck. The Gordon Elliott trained runner-up was sent off the well-backed 10/11 favourite having opened at 5/4 on-course. The front duo went six lengths clear of Banker Burke (9/4) who was third under Conor Maxwell for John Larkin. Tony Martin trains the winner and he said afterwards: "A canny ride. It is hard to win any race and he can do no more than win it. He did it well. "The track is lovely and safe. I was a bit concerned about whether the ground would be safe enough for him but it is beautiful ground. "Hopefully he will mix it on the flat and over hurdles. He's by Nayef. He could go to Dundalk. "There wasn't much pace so hopefully he stays well. He's a big raw horse who is only coming to himself." STEWARDS REPORT * A.J. Fox, rider of Zagnzig trained by W J Bryson, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up as the saddle had slipped during this race. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
