Hi Vic (centre) makes an error before going on to win© Photo Healy Racing
Hi Vic claimed an eventful hunters chase at Downpatrick for Banbridge trainer Jerry Cosgrave.
Forpaddydatarmacer was sent off the well backed 11/8 favourite (9/4 in morning) for the 2m7f event and led them until crashing out at the fifth last. He hampered Harps Counsel then and brought down Viewvic
Isourbell was left in the lead but was strongly pressed by Waddingtown Hero who went on after the third last. He was soon tackled by the eventual winner, who jumped into the lead at the final fence.
Noel McParlan kept his mount up to his work and he needed to as Maple Valley Gale flew home in the closing stages.
The runner-up, held by a neck at the line, had been under pressure in sixth two from home and had plenty to do in a moderate fourth at the last but powered up the hill and gave the winner a scare close home.
Hi Vic, twice a winner in points last Autumn, was bouncing back to form having been pulled up on his return to action at Farmacaffley in February.
“The ground was really bad last time when he pulled up at Farmacaffley,” said Cosgrave.
“I was a bit worried about his speed on that good ground though. The fences are there to be jumped though.
“He probably have a break now for six weeks and come back for the Autumn.”
Winning owner Peter Murphy, who has 15 horses in training with Cosgrave, added:- “I was expecting a good run but thought he might need the run here.
“There is more in him unless a big buyer comes along!”
Unfortunately it was revealed afterwards that Danny Fitzsimmons, rider of Forpaddydatarmacer, had been taken to hospital with a suspected fractured elbow.
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
