Prominent-racer Topgun Simmy has plenty of ammo Shark Hanlon and Paddy Hanlon combined for a winner with Topgun Simmy on the opening day of the new National Hunt season at Down Royal. The 11/4 shot disputed the lead with Clodders Dream in the Pepsi Max Hurdle before taking over three out. Fancy Girl (3/1) got interested in the first prize over two out, however, Topgun Simmy was always keeping her at bay on the run-in as he came in by a length and a-half. Trainer Hanlon said: "I put him in at Haydock (on Saturday), it is worth £40,000. He'll probably be there now, we'll go. If everything is alright tomorrow, he will probably end up there. "This horse was very unlucky the last day. I'm delighted for the Durkans. "He got balloted out at Punchestown by one and I was gutted. "I knew if Gordon's horse (Elliott, Timmy Tuesday, third) turned up today that we wouldn't beat him because he is 15lb or 16lb higher than us, but he didn't turn up. "As a matter of fact, Paddy said he was doing nothing in front. He was always holding her (runner-up). I said to him to kick off the bend because he will stay galloping. "Paddy is riding very well. It's our first winner of the season for us and it is great to get a winner early in the season. Paddy is qualified for all those 15 (winners) and under races. "He probably could have ridden a couple of winners maybe last last year, but we kind of saved him."
