Irish maiden beaten 194 lengths and with £105 in prize-money to his name lands big gamble after two-year break

Size Five landed a major gamble by 20 lengths on his first racecourse start since Boxing Day 2022, with trainer Noel Kelly admitting he was among those who backed him into 5-2 from a morning 10-1.

Victory in the Class 5 handicap hurdle over 3m was a third success at Perth for Kelly, who was saddling his first jumps runner in Britain since December. 

Amateur rider Oran McGill had a day to remember with his first double in Britain, having taken the Class 3 3m handicap hurdle on Building Bridges for father Gary before his win on Size Five.

Kelly's raider had shown little in four racecourse appearances, having been beaten by a total of 194 lengths and earned just £105 in prize-money. He had been last seen finishing a 15-length sixth on his handicap debut at Down Royal and missed last season with injury, but had been working well ahead of this return off a mark of 92.

"We had a few pounds on," Kelly told Racing TV. "We've been lucky at Perth. We came here last year with some owners and they're happy enough.

"He does nothing but stay, he just keeps galloping. He's not had much mileage but he shows a wee bit of class at home. I had seven others out and this thing would gallop all over them.

"Oran is a good lad. It's great for an amateur to come here and have a double."

Brothers in arms

The three Bowen brothers were involved at the finish of the 2m4f handicap chase with James and Michael the ones celebrating. Peejaybee, ridden by James and trained by Michael along with father Peter, held off the Sean Bowen-ridden Post No Bills by half a length.

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