Harry Cobden has Paul Byrne to thank after sealing Summer Plate hat-trick on dominant Irish raider

Harry Cobden won the Summer Plate for the third consecutive year as Gavin Cromwell’s Irish raid proved successful with 9-4 favourite Ballysax Hank.

The six-year-old claimed the £56,950 prize in emphatic fashion as he galloped clear to win by five lengths, having travelled at the rear of the field before making his challenge with two to jump.

Cobden told Racing TV: “I was very fortunate to get the ride, I had the call on Tuesday when I was in a cattle market and didn’t think twice about it, so I’m delighted he’s gone on and won.”

Prior to the race, Ballysax Hank was unsettled and eager to get racing. “There was a second I thought I was coming off, but once running he relaxed and jumped well," he added. "He picked up well and winged the last and went away nicely. 

"I’m delighted to be involved and thanks to [owner] Paul Byrne for letting me ride – I’ll be coming back next year.”

Three for Owen

Cavern Club and Gavin Sheehan return successfully following their victory in the Summer HurdleCredit: Steve Davies

Cavern Club won the 2m½f Summer Handicap Hurdle for in-form trainer James Owen, who completed three wins on the card.

Gavin Sheehan was on board to give the five-year-old a patient ride before unleashing him in the final furlong to reel in runner-up Kihavah, who traded as low as 1.05 in running.

Owen said: “That was absolutely fantastic. It’s great prize-money so we ran four in it. It's lovely to win it again, and with a horse that’s done well for us as a dual-purpose performer.

“He’ll go back on the Flat now to freshen up, he’ll go to Chester as the owners are local there, and then to one of the early meetings at Cheltenham, one of the two-mile hurdles.”

Owen's first win of the day came courtesy of Laravie, who justified odds-on favouritism in the 2m4½f novice hurdle, winning for the fourth consecutive time.

The treble was completed by Prince Quattro under Alex Chadwick in the 2m½f handicap hurdle.

The scene at Market Rasen on Summer Plate dayCredit: Steve Davies

Bowens are bouncing

The Mickey Bowen-trained Broughshane, who was backed in from 5-1 to the 9-4 favourite, was successful in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle under James Bowen.

It was the seven-year-old’s first run for his new yard and the first time blinkers had been applied. 

The Bowen stable were continuing their flying form this season, with a 29 per cent strike-rate from 84 runners, and to cap it off the trainer also won the 2m1f handicap chase with Lermoos Legend, who was ridden by Bowen's brother Sean.

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