Racing

Stuart Crawford’s rank outsider Yes Tom causes a major upset at Down Royal

6/4 favourite Bog Warrior finishes a well-beaten fourth of five runners

Robbie Power: was successful on 14/1 shot Yes Man at Down Royal.
Robbie Power: was successful on 14/1 shot Yes Man at Down Royal.
Tue Mar 18 2014 - 01:00

Stuart Crawford’s rank outsider Yes Tom caused a major upset in the Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal yesterday.

Having run well for a long way before eventually unseating Bryan Cooper on his return from injury in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park a month ago, Tony Martin’s Grade One-winning chaser Bog Warrior looked to have a good opportunity to get back to winning ways in this three-mile-two-furlong conditions event.

The 6/4 favourite jumped and travelled with zest for much of the journey under Paul Carberry, but stopped quickly from the home turn and eventually finished a well-beaten fourth of five runners.

Yes Tom (14/1) , with over 20lb to find with the market leader on official ratings, was making his debut for Co Antrim-based Crawford and galloped all the way to the line under Robbie Power to take the prize by seven lengths from Make A Track.

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Raz De Maree was not far away in third, with the trio pulling clear of Bog Warrior and Ted Walsh’s Grand National contender Seabass.

Crawford said: “I couldn’t say I was expecting to win but I was expecting a good run.

“We are just trying to get his confidence back and in the last few weeks he’s taken a bit more interest at home. We’ll aim for another race or two like that.”