Churchill justifies favouritism under Meyler The 116 rated Young Churchill justified 6/5 favouritism in the second divide of the Frenchpark Maiden Hurdle, as he just got the better of Astelia. Beaten into fifth when last seen at Killarney in May, the Noel Meade-trained four-year-old was settled behind the leaders this evening and took closer order in second on leaving the back straight. Ridden bypassing three out, he only really got going away from the last, getting up towards the nearside rail to prevail by half-a-length. After attempting to make all, the aforementioned Astelia had to settle for second under Jake Coen for Peter Fahey, with the front pair drawing 21-lengths clear of October Hill (20/1) in third. "I didn't think he won half-a-length! Donagh said the ground was better on that side," Meade explained. "We actually wanted a good gallop and after Killarney I didn't want to make it. The walk didn't really suit him that well because I'd say he stays quite well. "He'll go back on the Flat now, that's the plan. I just wanted to win a maiden with him when he had the 8lb allowance. "I'd say he'll win a four-year-old maiden on the Flat. "He jumped better there. We put a tongue-tie on him last time in Killarney and he got himself into an awful sweat in the parade ring. He wasn't himself because he's a quiet, calm, horse." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards informed Peter Maher, trainer of Rosie Brown, that a repeat performance from his charge who was withdrawn by order of the Raceday Stewards, having refused to race may render the animal liable to suspension in future. * S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Rosie Brown, trained by Peter Maher, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount refused to start. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
