Rajik’s late burst decisive

CHARLIE SWAN, who won three Champion Hurdles on Istabraq for Aidan O’Brien, teamed up with the Ballydoyle trainer’s son, Joseph, to land the featured Guinness Handicap with Rajik at Galway last night.

“It’s pay-back time”, remarked Swan, after the youngster had brought the 14-1 shot with a powerful late surge to score going away by a length and three parts from Scandal Sheet, with favourite, Natural High, finishing a disappointing third.

“I actually fancied Zaralabad (his other runner)”, said Swan. “He was working great, but got murdered through the race.