Its On The Line back to winning ways at Down Royal The admirable Its On The Line once again found plenty for a strong drive when returning to winning ways in the BAR 1 Betting Hunters Chase at Down Royal. A beaten favourite in the same race last year, the Emmet Mullins-trained gelding had the benefit of a point-to-point run coming into this seasons renewal. Off the bridle for much of the contest, the J.P. McManus owned 16/5 chance came through to lead under Derek O'Connor after the bypassed second-last fence. Keeping on well in the straight, the eight-year-old prevailed by a length from Willitgoahead. Derek O'Connor said: "He did (make him work) - St Stephen's Day after a big Christmas dinner, it is not ideal, let me tell you! "He does that all the time, he keeps finding. He knows how to win which is very important in a racehorse, a great advantage over your rivals. "He tries and he puts it on the line all the time. "Absolutely (adds to his longevity) and he is adding a little bit to mine as well! "He will have a run in a point-to-point and then Cheltenham, and all that (Punchestown) later in the spring." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
