Battle back on song for McDonagh & O'Keeffe Owned and trained by Michael McDonagh, Battle Of Mirbat registered his first win in well over two-years, as he led home 12 rivals in the Racing TV Handicap Chase. In a share of the lead early on, the Ocovango eight-year-old gained an outright advantage before the fourth and soon skipped a few lengths clear. Jumping well throughout under Sean O'Keeffe, he travelled best on the approach to the second last, where nearest pursuer, Nastya (10/3f), crashed out. Returned at 11/1, the 108-rated victor kept up the gallop when pushed along on the run to the last and ultimately came home four-and-a-half lengths to the good. On his first start for Gordon Elliott, Onethreefivenotout (10/1) filled the runner-up spot under Jack Kennedy, while Ceanndana (7/2) was another half-a-length back in third. "Nice to get a winner on him, I've been placed loads of times (on him) and, in fairness, I love riding him. He is brilliant to jump," the winning rider enthused. "Really enjoyed getting out in front there today. "He was having a look down to the last, so I was hoping he would keep it up. "I was delighted to get the win for Michael and, in fairness, it was a great training performance to get him back on song. He had a couple of seasons where he struggled a bit, but he is back in form now. "In fairness, he (loose horse) was keeping out and was jumping most of his fences. My lad was having a look, so I knew my lad could try and follow him as well if he went around one but, in fairness, my lad was good and honest. "His jumping is super and he came back down the handicap a bit there. He always runs with plenty of credit and hopefully he will go on from this and get a bit of confidence again." STEWARDS REPORT Owing to the low lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for fence three to be omitted from this race Additional reporting by Michael Graham
