Galway Plate-winning trainer ends lean spell Colin McBratney ended a long spell between wins today, as the Galway Plate-winning trainer landed Downpatrick’s Road Stud Installations Handicap Hurdle with first reserve Gangsta Granny (33/1). Ridden by Sean Flanagan, the five-year-old raced behind the leaders and finished well to edge ahead close home, scoring by 1.25 lengths from Annarubyrose, with third-placed Arctic Chief throwing away his chance by hanging rounding the final turn. McBratney, whose Ballyholland won the 2011 Galway Plate, was having a first success since 2022 and reported “my horses maybe just weren't good enough and you just have to ride the tide. I have good owners though, and James (Murdock) is wildly loyal and a good friend. "He bought Gangsta Granny off Mrs (Jessica) Harrington in an online sale and she told me that she has ability, and that a change of yard would probably help. "I was very disappointed with her at Bellewstown the last day on tacky ground when she hung badly and she was beaten after only two miles. She loves it around here though and Sean gave her a fantastic ride. "We'll see what the handicapper gives her and you'd have to come back here, maybe in two weeks' time. That will give her herself a lot of confidence and hopefully she can follow up again." Quotes from Michael Graham
