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Rothwell lavishes praise on Owens

That's About Right, near side, about to pick off Paddy Elvis after the lastThat's About Right, near side, about to pick off Paddy Elvis after the last
© Photo Healy Racing

Philip Rothwell was effusive in his praise for Conor Owens who drove That's About Right home in the opportunity handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

The 9/2 shot was worked to the front early on the run-in from Paddy Elvis (10/3) and saw him off by half a length. Aliunde was just a neck away in third in this seven-runner contest.

Rothwell said: "Delighted!

"Conor gave him a super ride. That chap from humble beginnings 18 months ago with his first ever ride over hurdles, never sat on a horse two and a-half years ago, what he is achieving this year is beyond belief.

"I thought he took a hold of him at the right time and I thought he gave him a really, really good ride. To see him (Owens) do that today, I would be extremely proud of him.

"He is a chap that is improving and improving and improving away all the time. It is an absolute credit to him. He works hard at it, hugely dedicated to it. I thought that was a super polished ride.

"From limited opportunities, six winners ridden. For any 7lb claimer, that is a huge achievement. For a fella that sat up on a horse two and a-half years ago, it is an incredible achievement."

On That's About Right, he added: "He had a couple of very nice runs, he had a very good run in Ballinrobe last year and got there a bit too soon.

"He was disappointing on ground a little bit softer. Hopefully, he can kick on and win another one in the summer and he will see a fence.

"The syndicate that have him (Namtab Syndicate) are local guys from home that work in Tinahely, our local village. They are fabulous people and great to have a first winner for the syndicate and hopefully there will be many more."

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.