Poormans Hill and Jack Kennedy heading for victory in Downpatrick's feature© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott completed a Downpatrick treble as he saddled a 1-3 in the Toals Bookmakers Ulster National Irish EBF Handicap Chase to take his seasonal total to a record-breaking 194. Out Sam looked like he'd do it for the stable when striking on from the second last.
A loose horse did him no favours though when carrying him wide from the last. Poormans Hill didn't need a second invitation under Jack Kennedy and he pounced through on the inner to go on and beat Tulsa Jack by six and a half lengths.
There was three parts of a length back to the aforementioned Out Sam in third.
The earlier Elliott winners were Percy (Davy Russell) and Isodon (Katie O’Farrell) and the Cullentra House Stables operator was bettering his 193 from 2016/17.
"He likes this place. I was a bit worried after the run the last day that it might have took the edge off him. Out Sam ran well as well so we are happy," said the dual Cheltenham Festival leading trainer.
"I'd say Poormans Hill would have outstayed him but I'd say he would have been a good second if he wasn't wiped out but he ran a good race. He showed heart today and he's been disappointing so we are happy.
"Poormans Hill is still in the Irish National and if he snuck into it you never know he'd take his chance. He'll probably go for a three and a half mile race at Punchestown."
And on reaching 194 winners, he said: "It's unbelievable. Obviously we trained 193 last year which Willie had done before and we levelled it. I'm just unfortunate I'm around the same time as Willie Mullins. It's great for Irish racing."
The Stewards interviewed D.J. McInerney, rider (Dare To Endeavour, eventually withdrawn), who weighed out 2 lbs overweight for this race and this overweight was not declared.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that following a fall in Thurles on 24/03/18, he was stiff this morning and could not run in order to lose the required 2 lbs.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the overweight.
Having considered D.J. McInerney's previous record in this regard, the Stewards fined him 150 Euros.
In view of the evidence submitted the Stewards requested the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Medical Officer to assess the fitness of D.J. McInerney to ride in this race.
J.M. Moore, rider of Stoughan Cross trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and pulled up.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Stoughan Cross, trained by Thomas Gibney, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(MG & EM)
