THE visiting Australian riders comfortably won the National Hunt challenge when Frankie Stockdale landed the Bar One Racing Handicap Chase on Teal Bridge at Downpatrick yesterday.
The 5 to 4 favourite was left clear to win as he liked when the Willie Harnett ridden Ballinaboola Grove, which had tried to make all the running, fell at the second last fence.
Stockdale was followed home by his compatriot, Tom Hazlett, riding Master Millar, and for good measure Tim Wheeler took third place for the visitors on Dalusman. The clean sweep gave the Australians victory in the five race series by 34 points to 21.
Winning rider Stockdale said. "I have never seen anything like Downpatrick this roller coaster track must be unique. Naturally I am delighted to ride a winner on my first trip to Ireland."
Charlie Swan, the home team captain, had earlier given the Irish side some hope of success in the annual challenge when winning the Bar One Racing Handicap Hurdle on the Michael Halford trained New Legislation.
