Stronge off the mark with Bridge

Carsonstown Bridge (nearest) tackles Some Drama
(Healy Racing Photos)

Some Drama had taken over from the front-running Itsy Bitsy Spider at the second last but was followed through by Carsonstown Bridge.

Andrew McNamara's mount threw down a strong challenge before the last and got the better of his rival on the run-in for a half length success.

The 9/2 winner was not scoring out of turn having been placed on his last three outings and it was first winner 'on the track' for County Down handler Aaron Stronge.

Stronge is a well known face in northern point-to-points and has himself ridden winners in each of the last four decades between the flags (80s, 90s, 00s and 10s).

He currently has four in training for the track and four for point-to-points:- “It's great to get the first winner and it's my birthday today as well.

“We've hit the post so many times with horses that I thought we'd knocked it over!

“On this ground that's probably his ideal trip but he may get further on better ground.”

Raise Hell was sent off the 13/8 favourite but had to settle for third place, seven-and-a-half lengths behind the front two.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)