Australia has reduced the deficit in the 31st Dominant Australia v Ireland Jumping Racing Challenge after Brad McLean piloted Royal Laddie to victory at Moe today and claimed eight points for his country.

Although the Quinton Scott-trained Royal Laddie jumped erratically at times, his staying strength was evident on the flat to runaway with the Metropole Hotel & Apartments 0-120 Hurdle (2897m), which is the fourth leg of the challenge.

Australia now has 57 points, which places the team two points behind Ireland on 59. Australian captain Steve Pateman finished fourth on Interlocutor to pocket six points, while Irish jockeys Denis Hogan and Andrew Leigh finished third and seventh respectively, securing 12 points in total.

The scratchings of Crying Storm and Big Mick denied Irish jockeys Robbie Moran and Andrew Lynch a start and meant the efforts of second-placed Bill Williams (Command ‘n Conquer) and sixth-placed Adam Trinder (Pensioner) didn't count.

Ireland has won the past six challenges, but the Australian team is keen to reclaim the trophy.

The fifth leg of the Dominant Australia v Ireland Jumping Racing Challenge, the Metropole Hotel and Apartments Australia v Ireland Hurdle, will be held at Sandown on Wednesday, with today's winning jockey McLean drawn to ride the Therese Patton-trained Desert Heiress. The final leg of the challenge will be run at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Racing Victoria Media Release Published 21/08/07