Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys

Handicap Hurdle

A CLEAN sweep for Irish-trained horses on Gold Cup day was completed when Banbridge claimed the closing race for trainer Joseph O’Brien, jockey Mark McDonagh and owner Ronnie Bartlett.

Another point-to-point graduate, the winner had won three times already this season in novice company but had been well beaten on his only other handicap outing which came at Leopardstown last Christmas.

Always prominent in this two and a half mile contest, Banbridge avoided a lot of trouble in behind. The favourite Langer Dan was brought down at the second flight and another faller four out hampered several others.

Cobblers Dream and Jack Andrews looked to be travelling better than Banbridge as the pair raced clear towards the final hurdle but, managing to avoid a loose horse in front of him, it was Banbridge who found most up the hill to win by a length and a half. Hollow Games took third with Freedom To Dream fourth.

McDonagh is from Cratloe in Co Limerick, a grandson of trainer Michael McDonagh. He has ridden 12 winners so far this season, including the feature chase at Down Royal just a day earlier. He said: “The standing start suited me as my horse was sharply away. There were loose horses all around me. I was wondering what had happened behind. Joseph told me to hold on to him as long as I could. I wasn’t confident until 10 strides after jumping the last. The feeling is unreal. I’ve never witnessed anything like it.”

All four horses and jockeys who fell were reported to be unhurt.