Winning trainer Gillian Callaghan© Photo Healy Racing
Tough Mark lived up to his name as he overcame adversity to take the Castlewellan Handicap Hurdle for his trainer Gillian Callaghan with Davy Condon in the saddle.
The 8yo son of Goldmark was responding well to pressure when the leader Kai Li crashed out at the second last hampering him in the process.
His chance looked gone after that incident however he showed his toughness to rally and stay on best between The Gnathologist and Clonsilla Affairs just getting up on the line to win by a head.
The Gnathologist finished second at 11/2 for Tommy Treacy & Donal Kinsella while Clonsilla Affairs was a further half a length back in third at 7/1 for James Brennan and Jason McKeown.
After being well backed on his last two outings but ultimately disappointing a tongue-tie was fitted for the first time this evening.
He was again well supported this evening and having opened on track at 6/1 he was backed into 9/2 at the off.
Having saddled Coldwinters to victory at Kilbeggan last Friday Callaghan was recording her second winner of the new season while Condon was notching up his fourth winner.
Callaghan, who trains in Trim, Co Meath, said afterwards: "Anything that could go wrong did go wrong but he still won. Davy gave him a peach of a ride.
"That is my first winner in Downpatrick and my second winner of the season.
"He is a hardy little horse."
Donal Murphy & Michael Graham
