It was a sunkissed racecourse at Downpatrick that welcomed the punters to the well-attended Vintage Display Raceday on Sunday. Following two previous meetings with poor weather, this was certainly welcomed.
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Rufino ridden by Kevin Sexton leads as winner Moonmeister with Luke Dempsey in the saddle in the diamonds challenges in The V For Vintage Show Maiden Hurdle for four year olds.[/caption]
County Meath trainer Gordon Elliott started where he left off at the last meeting when landing the opener at Downpatrick with Moonmeister partnered by Luke Dempsey writes Joe Kavanagh.
The winner, a multiple scorer on the level was opening his account over jumps and having waited mid- division gradually improved his position and while led over the last by Rufino kept on in very game fashion to overhaul the leader near the line.
A delighted Elliott said: “He had schooled well over hurdles at home. I’ll look for a winner of one hurdle possibly at Galway. He’ll mix and match during the summer on the flat and jumps.”
LINK TO PHOTOS FROM THE DOWNPATRICK RACES
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Fort Smith ridden by Bryan Cooper heads home for a win in the J is for Jaguar Handicap Steeplechase.[/caption]
Autumn Shades trained by Michael Molloy showed her liking for the venue when gaining a repeat success in the mares handicap hurdle with top jockey Mark Walsh aboard. The winner owned by top bloodstock adviser Timmy Hyde made all the running to score as Feel The Air kept on to take second.
Michael Molloy said: ” We love coming to Downpatrick as the track is so well maintained and they look after connections exceptionally well. Last time the course proved too tight for her.
“She’s a big mare that will make into a chaser and will go chasing at some point. I’ll look for a hurdle race at Galway depending on what the handicapper does.”
Ballyfinboy was another to win after making all the running for trainer Jimmy Finn and jockey Kevin Sexton. The winner had victory assured prior to the final flight and the County Tipperary trainer said: “He’ll go to the Galway Festival for the race he won two years ago. He didn’t get the trip last time and is taking his racing well. He might have another run before Galway.”
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Memebers of the Minerstown Tavern who organised the Tavern Talks Cheltenham event which raised £7200 presents the cheque to the JohnJo Bright Trust with hius father John from Templepatrick behind the children.[/caption]
Bridget’s Pet impressed when claiming the beginners chase for trainer, Alan Fleming and owner, Barry Connell. Partnered by John Fitzpatrick the winner was content to wait in rear until improving three from home and leading at the final fence to win going away strongly in the closing stages.
Fleming said: “He’ll probably go for one of the handicap chases at Galway. He jumped great and I was impressed but doubly impressed by the jockey. He’s been with me about a year and ridden points winners.”
Fort Smith previously a very frustrating hurdler has proved a reformed character since going chasing and followed up his fencing debut success when landing the handicap chase for trainer Gordon Elliott.
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Jake and Sam Hamilton, sons of Downpatrick trainer Brian Hamilton, test a different type of horse power at Downpatrick racecourse.[/caption]
The winner was partnered by former All-Ireland Champion point-to-point rider Jamie Codd after intended rider Bryan Cooper was stood down because of bruised ribs following an earlier fall.
Elliott who continues to amass winners at the venue with a total of ten to date this term said: “We had to send a jeep to get Jamie as he was walking the course and I wanted him as a replacement as he won a bumper on the horse. I’ve no idea what’s next!”
The long distance handicap chase supplied a thrilling finish. El Grande and Royal Chief went head-to-head from flag fall and soon established a fifteen length lead from the rest of the field.
The last named kept up the gallop as El Grande faded but Albarta trained in County Galway by Val O’Brien was produced to perfection by rising star Luke Dempsey to overhaul the leader on the uphill climb providing the rider with a double on the day.
Listen Dear trained by Irish Champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins and partnered by his son Patrick turned the concluding bumper race into a procession… the combination winning the finale by the length of the straight. The vintage car display proved popular with double the numbers of cars on show while organisers of a Jonjo Bright Fundraiser presented a cheque for £7,200 to Jonjo’s father, John, during racing.
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