Coen cousins battle it out in Down Royal nightcap Twice a winner over shorter trips, Dancing Steve (17/2) showed good reserves of stamina to land the second division of Down Royal’s Grant Thornton Handicap over one mile, five furlongs. A 21st winner of the campaign for apprentice title-race leader Sam Coen, the Highland Reel gelding came from mid-division to head longtime leader Connecteo (ridden by his cousin Ben) inside the final furlong and posted a half-length victory in the colours of Breen White. "I thought Andy (Oliver) had it stolen (with Connecteo), I was standing watching it with him," said winning trainer Ado McGuinness "We were drawn wide and I did tell Sam to drop this one in, he just about gets the trip, but he needs to be put asleep very early on. He did exactly what he was told. "I told him he better bring me to the party if he wins it (apprentice title)! "In all fairness to him, he is a very good kid, and it was a very good ride. "I had the option of going to Navan tomorrow, and then I saw this race was splitting and I thought we would chance here. In all fairness, it was a good decision. It was going to end up being less competitive here than a 23/24 runner race around Navan. "That's the way you have got to work these horses - you've got to try and give them the best chance to get a win." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
