'True to his word he came back' - Quinn secures winner for loyal owner Bruce

Sporting disappointment did not last long for owner Kenny Bruce, whose Invincible Larne struck in the 6f handicap.

Bruce, who founded well-known online estate agency Purplebricks with his brother Michael, also owns Larne Football Club, who play in Northern Ireland's top division but failed to match their equine namesake when beaten 2-1 by Coleraine on Tuesday night.

"I met Kenny in Tenerife about nine or ten years ago," said former footballer Mick Quinn, who trains Invincible Larne.

Runners in Lingfield's Class 2 1m2f handicap, which was won by Assimilation (red silks)Credit: Edward Whitaker

"He's a football fan and he came to the yard and ended up with a third in one horse and leg in another, and he's as enthusiastic as me when it comes to racing, which is very hard!

"We were a few months into it and he called me saying he was embarrassed he had to sell his shares. I said it wasn't a problem and I'd shake his hand on the way in and on the way out, but he said he'd definitely be back.

"He needed every penny to start a new business, which was Purplebricks, and then true to his word a few years ago he called and said he was back, so we bought some more horses and are just trying to build up the quality."

Bruce's string also includes the promising Pink Sheets, who won a Listed novice hurdle at Newbury's Ladbrokes Trophy meeting, but will miss the Daylesford Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after a setback.

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