Local trainer Brian Hamilton saddled a winner at Down Royal when grey filly Station Lane came from the clouds to nail Beef To The Heels by a head in the two-and-a-half-mile maiden hurdle.
The Downpatrick handler paid tribute to 19-year-old seven pound claiming jockey Declan Lavery. He said: “I’ve said it before but that wee fellow riding is brilliant. With his seven-pound claim she had 10 4 on that heavy ground which helped.
“He was able to drop her out. I wasn’t expecting her to win today but my horses are going well.”
Lavery –who broke his collarbone on a fall from Station Lane at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day when in contention at the second last – galvanised his mount after the last to reel in what looked like a certain success for Beef To The Heels and Davy Russell.
For punters who noticed the promise of Station Lane’s last run here, 33/1 was a welcome tonic. She paid 48/1 on the Tote.
The runner-up trained by Gordon Elliott for Gigginstown House Stud was 5/2 second favourite. 16/1 shot Seriatim was five-and-a-half-lengths back of the battle for first place. Quaquo De Flotte the 2/1 favourite for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, could only manage 11th after weakening from three out. Walsh reported that his charge stopped quickly after four out. The horse was found to be Post Race Normal.
Declan Lavery received a one-day ban from the stewards for using his whip without giving his mount time to respond.
Davy Russell got a three-day ban for the same charge on board Beef To The Heels.
Michael Graham
