A dream came true for the unassuming veteran Ballyclare trainer Harry Smyth when Portnacoo completed a treble of wins at Downpatrick racecourse over the last. three meetings for the 87-year old handler writes Joe Kavanagh.
(Race photos by Jim Masson/Down News ©).
It was a remarkable feat for the local trainer who has just two horses both of which he owns himself.
The winner was always prominent early in the race but settled in third by jockey and regular partner Darragh O’Keefe when the well supported Chancer Dancer hit the front.
However, on the downhill run the local horse which has gathered a large local following rapidly improved to lead over the last and was never in danger from the challengers.
Harry Smyth said: “I was confident he would run well. I’m good to him and he’s good to me. I don’t mind if he goes up in the ratings again – the handicapper has his job to do.
“I don’t bet as it’s all a bit of fun for me. He was deficient in copper when I got him but I give both horses lots of supplements.
“I have no idea where he can go next but there is still improvement in him and when he’s finished hurdling he could go chasing but I’m not a big fan of the large fences.”
A second local victory was recorded at the final fixture of the year when Jimli’s Cave landed the long distance handicap hurdle remembering former Ballynahinch trainer Denis Macauley.
The winner was always handy in third for most of the race before leading four from home under jockey Donagh Myler and kept on best in the closing stages. The winner is trained at Armagh by Keith Watson absent for the winners enclosure for the past two years but a longstanding member of the local training ranks.
Marshall Watson Assistant Trainer said: “He didn’t get in at Fairyhouse on Monday so we came here. I’m delighted as dad was a great friend of Denis ( Macauley) . He travelled great and I’m delighted for his local owner Geoffrey Ruddock who has been a long-time supporter and that’s our first winner for him.
“I hope the BHA see a bit of sense and reserve the changes that bar low grade Irish trained horses from running as I have eight British owners who would like to see their horses run at their local courses.”
Trainer Rebecca Menzies was rewarded for her trip from Yorkshire when Boomslang partnered by Ross Chapman ran out the very easy winner of the Beginners Chase.
The jockey sat mid division until making steady progress to lead three from home and win eased down.
Menzies said: “ found out John (Wade) whose is eighty year old now was coming here to meet friends so decided to give him a thrill as I look after his bloodstock interests now.
“Everything worked out well – he jumped great as has been schooling brilliantly at home. John didn’t know until he looked at his I Pad. It’s been a great day and we’ll come again as everyone has been so friendly and helpful.
The last race of the year at Downpatrick provided a perfect finale when Menzies and stable jockey Ross Chapman completed a double with the British trainer having sponsored the race.
Edgewell having been mid division improved three out to lead and soared over the final fence to win in facile fashion.
The winner is owned by John Wade who himself for decades trained his own team of horses many bought locally was delighted and said: “It’s been a fantastic day. I’ve never been to this track before and winning the last race was the icing on the cake. I’m still loving the game.”
Jockey Chapman added: “It’s been a roller coaster – I watched videos of the course but it’s not until you walk the track you realise what it’s really like.
“I was disappointed when one of ours ( My Friend Yeats ) was withdrawn as I thought he was my best chance but this fella can be a bit of a tinker but was very good today.
” It’s great for the boss and John Wade and the race title 40 and counting for John Wade just became 41.”
Racing got underway when the Cian Collins-trained Impero with Jordan Gainford aboard made all in the opening maiden hurdle.
Jack Kennedy having switched when his intended mount was a non-runner up was aboard Whispering Hopes and looked a major danger when challenging at the final flight however the winner had plenty in reserve and went clear while original favourite In The Trenches never threatened finishing a one paced third.
Collins said: “We were hopeful today he would back up his good run at Listowel. Jordan said he was looking about while in front . I’ll maybe send him chasing sooner than later. I don’t know why he got upset at the start..”
Favourite backer would have been counting their winnings as Tell Nobody Nothin jumped the last in the novice hurdle however former champion jockey Paul Townend despite six lengths to make up finished with a real flourish on the Willie Mullins trained Hey Sunshine to readily land the spoils.
Aubrey McMahon who runs the owners Temple Bloodstock Syndicate said: “I thought she had a lot of weight today and was in trouble on the downhill run buts she’s very honest and tries hard every day she runs. We’ll maybe try to get a bit of black type with her next year. “
The Stallion Owners Hurdle the most valuable race of the day was run at a very steady pace for the majority of the contest the clock showing runners travelling at less than thirteen miles an hour.
Gordon Elliott having won the feature three times in previous years scored with Prends Garde A Toi and Jack Kennedy in the saddle and the race only developing on the downhill run with local hope Augusta George which ran second appearing a major threat until the winner quickened in the closing stages.
