Dawson opens up account

Dawson opens up account

18 December 2013

BANBRIDGE trainer Sarah Dawson recorded her first National Hunt success on the racetrack when 18/1 outsider Slew Charm took advantage of a back in trip to win the handicap chase at Downpatrick Racecourse Christmas meeting on Friday.

The 11-year-old gelding was winning for the second time in 50 career starts and led three fences from home under jockey Noel McParlan with Ruby Walsh on favourite Hold Em Cowboy looking their only danger.

However, the complexion of the race changed dramatically at the second last where Walsh and his mount crashed out, allowing McParlan to seize the initiative to win by five and a half lengths from 11/2 chance Tipped Up Harry under Adrian Heskin.

The opening race of the day saw odds-on favourite Royal Captain (8/11) turned over when market rival Rasco got the better of a protracted battle over the final half mile.

A mistake at the final flight threw away any chance of victory for Royal Captain, who was a length behind Robbie Moran on Rasco at the line.

“He’s a baby and will learn a lot from today,” Moran said after dismounting.

Moran received a sting in the tail after the race when the stewards hit him with a four-day ban for excessive use of the whip on the winner.

Charles Byrnes’ Arnaud caught the eye when sauntering to victory in the four-year-old hurdle race under Davy Russell.

The Gigginstown Stud-owned runner went to the head of affairs right from the off and looks well capable of moving up the ranks judging by this success.

“All credit to Charles for finding that race for him. He’s a good jumper and has been from day one, said Russell in the winner’s enclosure.

Liam Lennon’s booking of Rachel Blackmore paid dividends in the mares’ maiden hurdle when Maple Valley Gold, successful in a point-to-point at Maralin last month, ground out a half length success, under an eye-catching ride.

However, victory on the 14/1 chance came at a cost for Blackmore who picked up a one day suspension for using her whip with excessive frequency.

Kilkenny trainer James Barcoe saddled his first winner when Allez Vic, a half-brother to former top hurdler Dato Star, proved best of the handicap hurdle field under jockey Brian Hayes.

The seven-year-old son of Old Vic took up the running at the third last flight on his way to a four and a half lengths success.

“He wasn’t great over the final two flights but was helped by the loose horse on the run up the hill,” Hayes said after dismounting.

Favourite Kylecrue (4/1) made it two wins in eight days, the other success coming at Clonmel the previous Thursday, when scoring by a length and a half in the beginners’ chase under 7lb claimer Ryan Treacy.

John Ryan’s Tipperary based runner wore blinkers once again and held off the challenge of Andrew McNamara under Silver Chief by a length and a half.

“Today’s trip (2m 2f) was very sharp for him and really he needs a trip to be at his best. We’ll look for something at Limerick over Christmas next,” said successful trainer Ryan.

The final race of the day saw Ballymena trainer Ian Ferguson joined forces with top point-to-point jockey Willie Thompson once again to good effect when winning the hunters’ chase with 4/1 chance James.

The dual winner between the flags was helped by the fall of Colin McBratney’s local runner Davyroy at the second last fence and the Antrim based trainer was well pleased with the efforts of his winner.

“He’s a progressive horse with a lovely attitude,” Ferguson said following the race.