Form Is temporary, class is permanent. Northern Irish trainer Colin McBratney has not had much luck this past few seasons; his templeburn stables have had to sit-and-suffer a lengthy quiet period nevertheless recently the results were signalling a win was not far away. On Tuesday afternoon he finally got his due reward with a success at Down Royal racecourse with handicap debutante So Near So Farhh.

This 5-year-old daughter of Farhh was ridden mid-division throughout the race - run over the extended distance of two miles, Jockey onboard Adam Short seemingly was full of confidence; biding his time. Three furlongs from the line he made his move and the mare responded well for pressure yet, the subsequent runner up Reine Fee wasn’t going down without a fight in spite of this McBratney’s mare was tenacious, getting the better of her opponent by a slender winning margin of a head.

McBratney’s stables is located just 15 miles from Down Royal; So Near So Farhh winning was a favourable outcome for the locals in attendance, Punted from 16/1 to 12/1 prior to the off. So Near So Farhh is owned by owned by local man, James Murdoch - she was here adding to four wins when achieved when trained by Mick Channon England on the flat. Speaking of the success McBratney said; She has just started to come to herself the last few weeks. It’s great for the owner. The long-term plan for her is a mares’ hurdle in Ayr in April over three miles.”

It is great to see McBratney back in the winner enclosures, and the fact we had £20 on at 14/1 is an additional bonus. Cheers Colin.