Stuart Crawford strikes with Jony It was a great start for the Crawford family at Down Royal this afternoon as Jony R ran out a cosy winner of the Franciscan Well Rated Novice Hurdle for Stuart Crawford. The Leading Light gelding attracted support from 11/1 this morning and went off a 15/2 shot. JJ Slevin produced his mount to lead before the second-last and he quickened away running down to the final flight to post a seven-and-a-half length success over Night Moon. Back to form at his favorite track The winner had won his maiden hurdle in fine style here in November but had been well held in a novice handicap at Leopardstown when last seen, over Christmas. Crawford said: "He ran in a graded race at Haydock and wasn't out of his depth. He was going to be third or fourth when he fell at the last. "First-time hood was on because he was keen when he won here in November. "We could try another graded race and he is one that could travel - we will go where we can get winners! "Great to see Ross (brother) winning the first, that horse had form in point-to-points." Ross Crawford had also been on the board in the opener, saddling his first winner with Green Hope. (Quotes by Michael Graham)
