The Toals Bookmakers Ulster National will be staged at Downpatrick racecourse on Sunday 23 March – the first race is at 2.25pm.
The historic steeplechase is the highlight of the County Down’s track’s racing year. The marathon chase always proves an ultra-competitive contest with the majority of local and Irish trainers targeting runners at the prestigious prize which has a list of top names in racing on the role of honours.
One of the most notable performances of recent times and a local success story was the victory of Benton Boy in 19 84 partnered by Ann Ferris [nee Rooney] and trained by her father the legendary, Willie Rooney at Glengormley with the locally owned, trained and ridden victor then claiming the Irish Grand National  at Fairyhouse later in the same year.
This year’s spectacular was launched by Downpatrick racecourse Director, Peter Magill, and Toals Bookmaker’s Manager  Ton O’Dwyer assisted by Downpatrick trainer Brian Hamilton and local rider Declan Lavery pictured with the high-class, Warne trained by Hamilton.  The horse has next month’s Aintree Foxhunters as his prime target from the Downpatrick connections.
downpatrickracecourse.co.uk [caption id="attachment_47893" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
L-R Tom O’Dwyer ,Toals Manager Downpatrick Shop and Racecourse outlet, Downpatrick rider, Declan Lavery and local trainer Brian Hamilton, and Downpatrick Director Peter Magill pictured at the launch of the Toals Bookmakers Ulster National.[/caption]]]>
