Riding plaudits to McGill as Rose makes it three at Downpatrick

Sunday: Downpatrick

Lighthouse Rose capped off a successful week for Oran McGill with victory just three days after the amateur jockey stuck with Building Bridges for his brother Gary at Sligo.

The Mark McNiff-trained runner, owned by local property developer Leo Matheson, took her third success at Downpatrick having also won this mares' handicap hurdle in 2020.

McGill gave the seven-year-old a well-judged ride from the front, keeping a bit up his sleeve for the long climb to the finish to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Aprils Joy.

He said: "She was good today. She got into a nice rhythm from early on, jumped and travelled. Mark said that she acts around here well, and she did.

"I got it handy enough in front, I was able to get a few nice wee breathers into her. She loves climbing hills and that made things a lot easier!

"Hopefully things can keep going like this for me; if I can ride a few more like her I'll be very happy."

Course specialists

It would be rare to leave Downpatrick without seeing one or two course specialists strut their stuff, and one developing in that direction is Montel Glory.

The Philip Fenton-trained runner broke his duck at the track in July under Niall Moore, and the jockey was once more coolness personified to land the 2m3f handicap hurdle in convincing fashion.

The gelding travelled well but had to overcome trouble in running before pouncing early in the straight and going on to win by two and three-quarter lengths over Darkest Hour.

"The gaps didn't look like they wanted to come, but I'll tell you, Niall was pretty cool on him," said the relieved winning trainer.

"He'll be back here on the 29th of this month for another handicap hurdle. Horses for courses!"

O'Brien strikes again

Everything seems to be going right for Joseph O'Brien and the return to form of Uhtred marked the 1,002nd career win for the trainer.

The son of Fame And Glory failed to kick on when upped in grade after winning a maiden hurdle at Naas in November, but looked back to his best under Bryan Cooper with success in the 2m3f rated hurdle.

The Gigginstown-owned seven-year-old galloped strongly up the hill and even surprised his jockey with the eight-length victory.

Cooper said: "He picked up better than I thought he would. It was a pleasing performance and he put it to bed fairly quickly. He is a classy individual on his day.

"It was a nice confidence booster for him because he has plenty of class. This will do him the world of good."

Results, replays and analysis

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