Creek follows up in effortless style

Rae’s Creek and Alton Bay, both winners on the level at the track last time, got off the mark in impressive style in the maiden hurdle action on last night’s card in Ballinrobe.

On ground described as “yielding to soft” after three races, but in warm sunshine, the J P McManus-owned Rae’s Creek followed-up his flat maiden win in effortless style in the opening Paddy Smyth Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

Having travelled well on the heels of the leaders, jumping well, Rae’s Creek was sent to the front after the second last flight and, soon clear, he stayed on strongly to win easily by nine and a half lengths from 20/1 shot Urtheoneiwant.