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Uhtred up and running over fences

Uhtred in pursuit of Blackstair RoccoUhtred in pursuit of Blackstair Rocco
© Photo Healy Racing

Joseph O'Brien's Uhtred made a winning start to his chasing career in the beginners' chase at Downpatrick.

The Fame And Glory gelding began to close on Blackstair Rocco three out and delivered his challenge at the next.

He worked his way to the front on the run-in and strode right away up the hill to win by eight and a half lengths.

He scored at 6/4 from 11/2 runner-up Blackstair Rocco. Chinx Of Light the 11/8 favourite, could make no impression in third at the second last where he fell.

Jockey Richie Condon said: "He got into a lovely rhythm jumping and, coming down to the second-last and the last, I had loads of horse underneath me. He has tonnes of class.

"Conor (Clarke on Blackstair Rocco) went a good gallop in front, but I was happy with my lad, he was travelling. He likes it around here and he is a class horse.

"He's only seven so chasing will be his game now and hopefully he will go on.

"I'd say he could step up in trip and there will definitely be some nice days in him."

Uhtred won over hurdles at this track just over three weeks ago.

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.