High Talk & Derek Fox jump a fence on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
High Talk (8/1) recorded his third win at Downpatrick as he opened his account over fences in the Newcastle Handicap Chase in convincing style for his trainer Mark McNiff with seven pound claimer Derek Fox in the saddle.
The 8yo son of Craigsteel had not run over fences since June of last year at Tramore but he had four runs in handicap hurdles since then, all of which came at Downpatrick.
He won on the first of those efforts but disappointed on his last three starts.
Having tracked the leaders early on he went second after the fifth last fence. He was ridden to close on the leader Drumlister when that fellow ran out at the third last under Paddy Mangan leaving him with a commanding advantage.
He kept on well from there to record a facile nine and a half length win over Maple Valley Gale in second for Liam Lennon and Sean McDermott at 14/1 while Fastey was a further two and a half lengths back in third at 8/1 for David O’Brien with Declan Queally in the saddle.
After opening at 7/1 Playboy Luke for Brian Hamilton & Paul Townend was well supported and went off the 4/1 favourite. However he ran no sort of race and pulled up.
Winning owner Sean Whitney, from Boyle in Co Roscommon, said afterwards: "It took me four hours to get here. I was expecting a good run but I was a bit wary of the forecast rain but thankfully it didn’t come.
"He was supposed to run here at the Ulster National meeting but he had a bit of a flu and scoped badly.
"He is back to form now and we will keep him going for the summer as he likes quick ground."
Donal Murphy & Michael Graham
