Laughing Trix, left, finishes best of all© Photo Healy Racing
Laughing Trix landed a gamble in Downpatrick when victorious in the 80-95 handicap hurdle.
The seven-year-old mare kept on strongly up the hill from fourth to grab the lead in the closing stages.
From as big as 40/1 in the morning, she opened at 11/1 and was backed down to 13/2. Ruler Of Dubai (8/1) had to settle for second, beaten by half a length. He was three parts of a length ahead of 10/3 favourite Blue Markie
Trainer Dermot McLoughlin said: “He (Conor Maxwell) thought jumping the last that he was home as one thing she does do is keep galloping.
“She’s a grand mare and I always thought she would win a race somewhere along the line.
“She won her point-to-point first-time out and has just disappointed a bit. Everything came well today — the ground and the stiff track and she just kept plugging out.
“He (Maxwell) does ride the track well.
“She is in next week (at Kilbeggan) and we’ll see how she is but if the ground is the way it is we might go again.”
The Stewards requested a report from Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Laughing Trix, placed first, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that this mare was having her first run since January at Ballinrobe last time where she didn't appreciate the going. She had won a point-to-point in the past and off a mark of 81 in an ordinary race she managed to come home in front. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
