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Sizing punt landed in Downpatrick's first

Sizing Jo'burg (right) comes away from the last in front of Sarabad in Downpatrick's openerSizing Jo'burg (right) comes away from the last in front of Sarabad in Downpatrick's opener
© Photo Healy Racing

The market told a story for the opening Northern Ireland Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick with Sizing Jo'burg (9/2 this morning into 9/4) running out the winner from easy-to-back favourite Sarabad (around 5/4 this morning out to 2/1).

Sarabad tried to make all under Paul Townend. However he was headed at the last by the Andrew Lynch-ridden, Henry de Bromhead-trained Sizing Jo'burg and the successful Old Vic gelding went on to score by nine and a half lengths. Sultana Belle got rid of Eddie O'Connell at the last leaving Anthem Royale (7/1 this morning into 7/2) to take the third spot, twenty eight lengths adrift of the principals.

Lynch explained: "It wasn't a bad run at Cheltenham last time (8th there in a bumper). He'd probably want a bit of nicer ground. It's dead ground out there. He's only a handy horse and he jumps hurdles like they're fences.

"He galloped all the way to the line." (MG & EM)