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Draycott puts rivals in their Place

Draycott Place and Paul Townend jump the last in frontDraycott Place and Paul Townend jump the last in front
© Photo Healy Racing

Draycott Place appreciated a major drop in class to open his account in the opening 2m2f maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

Highly tried in Graded company this year including behind Beat That last month in the highest level at the Punchestown Festival, he made no mistake here under Paul Townend.

The 4/6 favourite made all the running and readily drew clear after the last.

Townend could afford to take things easy in the closing stages as the Oscar gelding came home nearly five lengths clear of Slim Pickens

Paddy’s Faith was a further 12 lengths adrift in third.

Winning trainer John Ryan said, “He’s a high class horse and Paul said he did it very easily. He idled in front but once he gave him a slap down the shoulder he took off.

“The penny’s dropped, and I want him for a good novice hurdle next year as he’s only a five-year-old.”

(MG & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.