Hello Louie, far side, beats Afram Blue in Downpatrick© Photo Healy Racing
Noel Dooly, who trained Kim’s Dream to record a hat-trick of wins on the flat in the summer, had his first National Hunt success since taking out his licence again when Hello Louie scored comfortably in the extended two mile six handicap hurdle in Downpatrick.
“I thought he had every chance today. He got away with the ground. In Clonmel he didn’t come down the hill. John (Cullen) said he was delighted with him,” Noel Dooly said.
“He’s in at Thurles on Thursday and could go there if there isn’t much more rain. I only got my licence in July. I have 30 boxes and 20 in training. I’m based in Wexford between Enniscorthy and New Ross.”
The 5/1 joint favourite raced in mid-division but began to move towards the front rank before the third last last. He challenged for the lead at the final flight and drew away on the run-in to win by eight and a half lengths. Afram Blue who was headed at the last, kept on for second at 12/1 (from 20s in the morning), a neck in front of Derryarkin (12/1). The other 5/1 joint favourite, Bouncing Betty came in 11th of the 15 runners.
