Portrush Ted victorious at golf race day

Pleasing debut for Greatrex’s raider which was sent off strong favourite

Grade 2 bumper winner Portrush Ted made a pleasing debut over obstacles in the Murrayshall Hotel and Golf Courses Novices’ Hurdle at Perth’s Golf Perthshire Raceday yesterday.

The Warren Greatrex raider, sent off the 2/9 favourite, led after three out before strolling home 17 lengths clear of Motueka who lost a lot of ground when whipping round at the start.

Winning jockey Adrian Heskin said: “I’d say he is an above-average staying novice for this time of year.

“We will find another suitable race for him where the ground is nice, and he is a classy bumper horse.”

Jovial Joey took the Gleneagles Handicap Chase for Cumbrian trainer Maurice Barnes in the hands of Paddy Brennan.

The popular 11/4 second favourite saw off Workbench by a length and three-quarters with Rear Admiral a further 10 lengths back in third.

Brennan said: “He travelled nice all the way for me and enjoyed dropping back to 2m 4f.

“I looked after him after a bad mistake at the final fence at Cartmel last time and a lot of the credit goes to Dale Irving who rides him at home.”

Brian Hughes kept his hot streak going when riding a double on Ink Master and Our Lucas, the latter of whom was scoring on his debut for the Iain Jardine stable.

Next up in the Perth Racecourse calendar is the annual Summer Carnival on Saturday August 18.

The final weekend meeting of the season, the popular fixture is on course to be another sell-out, with racegoers urged to purchase tickets now to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit perth-races.co.uk.

Picture: Kris Miller. Winner of the 4.20 was Kuiper Belt ridden by James Bowen.

Pictures: Kris Miller. Top: Runners jostle for position in the 4.20. Above: Winner of the 3.45 at Perth was Jovial Joey ridden by Paddy Brennan.