Fourknocks and Tom Reilly (nearside) beats Bridge Native and Katie Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Much of the pre-race attention focused on Jonathan Fogarty's Get It Back a big market-mover for the concluding Racing Post INH Flat Race. That Kalanisi mare couldn't do what her stable companion Tornado Watch managed earlier when winning, as she had to settle for third of the five behind victorious debutant Fourknocks at Downpatrick.
Favourite Bridge Native looked to building nicely towards a win with her front-running effort in this extended two and a quarter miler.
However, the well-related newcomer Fourknocks is obviously smart and he loomed up as a big danger in the final couple of furlongs.
The Captain Rio gelding proved too strong in the final furlong to get the better of the Stowaway mare, Bridge Native, by two and a half lengths.
There was thirteen lengths back to the aforementioned Get It Back in third.
This was jockey Tom Reilly's first track winner. He had a point-to-point victory for Tom McCourt seven and a half years ago.
"That's my second winner and the first in nearly seven and a half years. I'm from Stamullen. I ride out a few days for John, he's very good to me. I had my first winner for Tom McCourt in a point-to-point. I couldn't get on good horses (since then). I'm 26, nearly 27. I ride out for Tom McCourt whenever I can and for my sister," explained Reilly.
Meanwhile winning trainer John McConnell said: "I think that's the third time I've won this race (won it in 2009 and 2010). I'm not shocked, he's worked well and has a good pedigree.
"He was bought as a yearling but he's been very immature and the owner has been very patient.
"He would be much better on a flatter track. He came back on the bridle coming down the hill."
(MG & EM)
