The well-supported Dom Of Mary landed Sussex National Handicap Chase at Plumpton on Sunday, which was the feature race on the course’s first Premier card.
Jockey Caoilin Quinn allowed the David Bridgwater-trained gelding to settle into a rhythm in the early stages of the race and made a bid with three remaining, going second behind Tommie Beau. The eight-year-old jumped into the lead at the second-last fence and drew clear for a commanding ten length victory. Tommie Beau held on for second ahead of the one-paced Rose Of Arcadia.
In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Quinn said: "This lad made it very easy for me, he travelled and jumped well which is what you need round here and I know it's a staying race, but you do need to travel round here.
"I sort of lost my place at halfway, but I wasn't too worried as they went a good gallop early and just down the hill I was just trying to creep into it as I knew when I did go for him, he would pick up. Turning into the straight he put it to bed in a matter of strides.
"David has targeted this race all year for him and when I first rode him here at the beginning of the season he said this was his big target. We've got that now and hopefully he can keep improving."
Trainer David Bridgwater was delighted with the result and said: "He ran well last time and the time before and he deserved to get his head in front again.
"It was the ideal race for him really. Any of these three-mile-plus races we will have a look at them and I always thought he would be a horse who would win a race like that, so it's worked out well for once.
"Caoilin rides exceptionally well and I think he is a boy that will be around for a few years yet."
