Circus Act has Down Royal crowds applauding The James Nash trained Circus Act proved too strong for some better fancied rivals when running out a game winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal. Prominent in the early stages, jockey Ben Kennedy was content to settle towards mid division as the race began to unfold after a couple of flights. Mount Frisco and market leader Regal Empire pressed on after four out but that pair were soon joined by both Bayou Belle and Circus Act on the run to the next. Bayou Belle came through to lead on the outside soon after but Kennedy had that move covered, slipping through on the inner to go second before the penultimate flight. Soon produced to throw down a strong challenge, Circus Act led over the last before keeping on strongly to win by two-and-a-half lengths. James Nash said: "There's no particular reason - I suppose she might have been on the go too long the last time and we should have maybe pulled the plug a bit earlier. "In saying that, she is a year older and she's not a big mare. She appreciates nice ground and that was a big help to her. "Ben gave her a lovely ride, so it is great. "She's a brilliant jumper and she stays very well. I was nearly happy to see the lads getting run away with down the back because I wondered were they going quick enough for her. "That qualifies her now for the final in Punchestown or the 0-110 final in Killarney, so she will go somewhere nice next." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
