BALLYCLARE trainer Ben Arthey was delighted to book Tony McCoy for Junius Brutus in the bumper at Catterick recently and even more pleased when the Definite Article gelding justified favouritism by two and three-quarter lengths.

The third leg of a treble for McCoy, Junius Brutus only joined Ben a few weeks ago and the trainer credits the bay’s former handler, Graham McKeever, for having the horse in such good order. Carrying the colours of Jonathan Birkmyre, Arthey said of his charge: “If he’s not sold beforehand, the horse will probably go to Brightwells’ sale at Cheltenham towards the end of January.’’ Junius Brutus is out of the four-time winner Granuale (by Seamanship). “I’ve been over to Britain with runners quite a bit in the past few months and can only do so as I have such a good team at home.”