Glenquest© Photo Healy Racing
Welsh Grand National third Glenquest (4-1) successfully reverted to timber in the Bet With The Tote Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.
Despite dropping back significantly in distance, Stuart Crawford's veteran was always bowling along under his own steam in a prominent position and had his rivals in trouble approaching the turn.< Spacious Sky tried to give chase under pressure, but Glenquest had plenty in the tank and strolled home by five lengths from Seriatim
Brothers John and Martin Burke combined to land the St. Patrick's Punter Pack Handicap Chase with Aurora Bell
The 6-1 headed the front-running Katnap two out and although that rival refused to give up without a fight, he had to settle for second for the fourth race running as Aurora Bell struck by a length and three-quarters.< Rocky Wednesday (11-2) has lost his way over hurdles, but showed his appreciation for the return to the bigger obstacles with a dominant display in the Rodney Watson Memorial Beginners Chase.
Gordon Elliott's gelding already had the measure of Aladdins Cave and Colms Dream when they departed two out, and he was left to coast home two and three-quarter lengths clear of Blue Bicycle
Elliott looked set to follow up when Altiepix jumped the last with a clear advantage in the Sean Graham Bookmakers Hurdle, but he was swamped in the dying strides and had to settle for third as After Aspen (25-1) held off the equally fast-finishing Tearaway Queen by a short head.< Keep On Track (7-1) was decent over cross country courses for Enda Bolger, but new trainer Ian Ferguson switched him to conventional fences in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase and the move paid dividends as he saw off Reality Dose by three and a half lengths.
The money was down for The West's Awake in the Dark Horse Wine Bar At Down Royal INH Flat Race but he was no match for Cape City Boy (4-1), while Shabra's Bertolini took the Silks@downroyal Novice Handicap Hurdle.
