The Sean Doyle trained Private Ryan, partnered by Jamie Scallan, won the valuable featured hunterchase after the gallant Gorthill attempted to give connections of the sponsor Wilson Dennison victory, making most of the running until headed after the last and trained by Dennison’s daughter Caroline McCaldin going down by just a half-length. Scallan said: “It’s great to win such a valuable race. I’m based with Sean and rode 21 winners in points this season.
Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest Horse Week news direct to your inbox Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Farming Life within your account. “He was stepping up a mile over that marathon trip tonight.” It was great to learn the sporting gesture of Barry O’Neill and Rob James, each having rode 39 winners in points this season, their early decision to share the champion rider title.
Ballyclare jockey Sam Ewing claimed the opener when making all on the Gordon Elliott trained Big Stage which was always in command and scored very easily. Ewing said: “He’s a lovely horse and did it well. He’ll make a proper chaser.
” Advertisement Advertisement The Ballyclare rider adopted similar tactics to record a quick double in the handicap hurdle on the Noel Meade trained Golden Temple bolting clear after jumping the final flight. Conor Owens, aboard the Philip Rothwell trained That’s About Right, was content to track the leading trio until challenging on.
