Harold's Cross defies market weakness Harold's Cross defied a big market drift to take the two and a half miles Sports Clubs Handicap Chase in convincing fashion under Alan Crowe. A third win on the evening for owner J P McManus, the Christy Roche-trained gelding was as short as 2/1 in the shops but proved friendless edging out to 5/1 at the off. All the money came for Hot Friend, 13/2 this morning before being backed on track from 4/1 in to 11/4 favourite. However the lack of confidence proved misfounded as the son of Galileo, successful over a shorter trip at Kilbeggan last month, led away from the second last to record an easy six length verdict over Hot Friend. The long-time leader Roley (20/1) weakened after two out to finish a further four lengths adrift in third. Martin Burke suffered a broken collarbone after taking a heavy fall two out from Mazara. J P McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said: “He jumped away well and won nicely. He obviously likes that good ground and we'll try to find another race like it.”
