Downforce and Nathan Crosse (grey cap, centre)© Photo Healy Racing
Ten year old lead horse Downforce rolled back the years with an eighth career win today, landing the Curragh's Bet Builder At Novibet Handicap for owner/trainer Willie McCreery and jockey Nathan Crosse.
Twice successful at Listed level in 2017 and '18, Downforce was once rated 111 and today, competing from 73, scored an all-out, heads-down, nose win over Secret Magician
McCreery said “at home we use him as a lead horse and he will lead Insinuendo for the next couple of weeks before she goes out to Bahrain. He does great work in the yard and is there eight years - he’s a lovable auld devil, runs away with people up the gallop and does his own thing.
“Nathan has to get the credit because he told me to leave the blinkers off him.
“I said we’ll go up the far side like Billy (Lee) did on Are We Dreaming (stablemate, in early October), on the bit of fresh ground. I loved the way he fought back the last 50 yards and there is life in the old dog yet.
“He might run again Sunday week and will definitely be leading two-year-olds at the start of next year.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
