August Bank Holiday Race Meeting Well Attended In Downpatrick
Derrylin trainer David Christie delivered a local success at Downpatrick on Paidi’s Passion when winning the featured Randox Hurdle with jockey Jordan Gainford in the saddle writes Joe Kavanagh.
Gainford recorded his third winner since just returning from a concussion injury. The winner was settled mid-division and stumbled early in the race, but improved three from home.
Paidi’s Passion led at the last with another local runner Gladiatorial trained by Noel Kelly from Derry finishing runner-up.
Christie said: “I was hoping she would run well. She just keeps galloping… her mother won three races and we might go chasing and see how we get on. They went a real gallop but I knew when she hit the hill she would win.”
Gainsford added: “I have to thank many people for getting back especially Jennifer Pugh (Senior Medical Officer Irish Turf Club) and her team.
“David [Christie] said she was spot on today. I thought the runner-up might beat me two out but my mare found plenty. They flew early on but she was very tough at the finish.”
Racing got underway when the Charles Byrnes-trained Dubeyeracingcraic, with the trainer’s son Philip aboard, gave a bold front-running display to score easily at the line.
The principal quartet broke clear of the field after the penultimate flight and despite the dogged persistent challenge of the placed horses, they eased up allowing Dubeyeracingcraic to romp home.
Byrnes Senior said: “She was well in getting all the allowances. The plan was to keep it simple and she jumped better today.
“She can be a bit leary and had a good look at the last. She should improve and will be a better mare next season.”
The Beginners Chase looked as likely dual between runner-up Typical Thomas and Rexem, however, Grosni under an excellent ride from Philip Byrnes challenged between horses in the final hundred yards to prevail and provide the Ballingarry-based Byrnes family with a hat trick.
Byrnes said: “I’m thrilled as that’s my first treble. It’s been a good day but I couldn’t go with them early doors.
“the trip was on the short side as he really wants three miles. He’s in the sales at Doncaster so we’ll see what happens.”
Father and son duo Charles and Philip Byrnes doubled up when Reverend Hubert, a three time winner on the flat in Britain when trained by Richard Hannon, turned the Ulster Carpets Hurdle into a one horse race.
The winner was always at the head of affairs leading before three out and the further they went the further clear the horse went.
Byrnes Junior said: ” He doesn’t show a lot at home but staying is his game.”
The Ken Budds-trained Anyway bolted home in the Philip Mc Burney racing handicap with jockey Michael O’Sullivan replacing Donagh Myler injured at Killarney last weekend.
Available at 28/1 morning prices the winner started evens favourite and having tracked the leaders shot clear on the inside after final flight.
Budds Junior said: “I had to back him as I get no training fees with my father Paddy owning him. He did it well but is still very green .”
The Shark Hanlon-trained Padraic’s Choice partnered by Jody McGarvey gave a sole display of faultless jumping when making all to claim the JCB Chase.
Favourite I Am Spiderman representing team Byrnes was always tailed off prior to being pulled up.
Hanlon added that stable star Hewick might attempt a repeat in the American Grand National and said: “ We’ll work back from the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March and he wouldn’t get too many races in advance of the Gold Cup.”
Mc Garvey said: “I wasn’t expecting much and had intended to drop in but Shark told me to go to the front and make the running.
“He had a light weight in a bad race. He has plenty of ability but definitely not the most straight forward and only wants good ground.”
The Edward O’Grady trained Top Line Tommy having put in a faultless front running display in the concluding chase looked set for victory until falling at the final fence and Berliet Express looking the likely beneficiary only for the Gordon Elliott-trained Irish Blaze squeezing between horses near the winning post to give Jordan Gainford a double.
