Commentator James Griffin holds it together as Roi proves king for his dad

Thursday: Down Royal

It's not every commentator who gets to call their own horse to win a race, so well done to James Griffin for keeping his emotions together in calling Roi Mage, trained by his father Pat, to land the feature 3m2f chase.

The French import had to battle hard to hold off the challenges of favourite Agusta Gold and dual Cheltenham festival winner Samcro to win by a length and three-quarters on just his second run in Ireland.

The horse was bought from France by owners Douglas Pryde, Douglas Van Der Hoeven and James Beaumont to try to emulate their 2013 Grand National winner Auroras Encore, but it might have to wait until 2023 as he will not get into this year's race and will head for the Topham Trophy instead.

Griffin, who is also assistant trainer as well as caller, said: "I really enjoyed that, especially for Dad. It's the first time I've called one of ours a winner. The last time I called a race with one of ours in it, unfortunately we came home without him, so that was very sweet."

Ballantine calls it right

Another more familiar behind the microphone to be connected to a winner on the day was UTV presenter Pamela Ballantine. Her colours were carried to victory for the first-time when 66-1 shot Billable Grant landed the opening maiden hurdle for trainer Colin McBratney and rider Gavin Brouder.

Ballantine, who doubles as the parade ring announcer on racedays at Down Royal, has a genuine racing pedigree, as her grandfather was successful trainer-breeder Joe Shaw.

She said: "I've been involved in syndicates with Colin for a few years and we have had some success, but I'm absolutely thrilled to have one win in my own colours."

Results, replays and analysis

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