Mark McCrory after guiding El Grande home© Photo Healy Racing
It was a red-letter day for jockey Mark McCrory who booted home his first track winner on El Grande in the hunters chase at Down Royal.
This was El Grande's first start for trainer Maria Richert. He had previously landed a hunter chase last June in Downpatrick for Jim Dreaper.
The nine-year-old got on terms at the third last and soon led. He was ridden out on the run-in and kept on well for a six-length victory at 9/2. St Killenagh took the runner-up berth with 7/4 favourite Adamstown 10 lengths adrift of him in third. Chosen Dream was in contention but pushed along when he fell at the penultimate fence.
McCrory is 21 and from Armagh. He has had one Point-To-Point success at Tyrella.
He said: "He's one of the best jumpers I have ever sat on. Maria said to sit in and give it all."
