Brilliant Bolger lands big double at Downpatrick

Brilliant Bolger lands big double at Downpatrick

12 June 2013

BLAZING sunshine greeted racegoers to Downpatrick’s evening meeting on Friday with Newry trainer Liam Lennon grabbing success in the opening race of the evening, courtesy of 5/1 chance Miranpour.

Jockey Jody McGarvey was happy to sit off the pace in the handicap hurdle on the Co. Down runner as the early leaders took the field along at a frantic pace on the good to firm surface.

With three flights to jump the pair took closer order and McGarvey set sail for home on the former Tinahely point-to-point winner after leading over the last.

At the post Miranour had three parts of a length to spare over runner-up Kims Dream and John Cullen with Daytime Dreamer back in third for Armagh trainer James Lambe.

Previous course and distance winner Point The Toes supplied Kildare trainer Mark Fahey with his first success with only his second runner as a trainer when obliging in the mares’ handicap hurdle under Shane Butler.

Shershewill took the runners-up spot for Killinchy trainer Aaron Stronge with Pumped Up Kicks close up in third under Davy Condon.

“She wants a small, tight track and the ground today helped her. She’s not very big but could go over fences, possibly here or at Tramore,” said Fahey in the winner’s enclosure.

Usuel Smurfer proved the easiest winner of the night and gave punters plenty to cheer about when slamming rivals by an impressive 13 lengths in the maiden hurdle.

Danny Mullins sent Barry Connell’s 7/4 favourite to lead with half a mile to run and sauntered to victory ahead of 25/1 outsider Killough Kin under John Cullen with Noel Meade’s My Aya (11/4) third.

Despite the recent lack of rain the Downpatrick course was in first class order which Luna Runner, off the track since falling at the corresponding meeting a year ago, showed an appreciation for good going when denying favourite Torn Asunder in the beginners’ chase.

Colm Murphy’s Wexford raider was giving successful jockey David Splaine his eighth success of the season.

“It’s my first ride for Colm and I’m delighted to have won for him. They have done a great job with the ground here,” said Splaine on dismounting from the winner in the parade ring.

Former track winner High Talk was heavily backed in the handicap chase but could manage only third spot behind Enda Bolger’s Mount Sion, ridden by Niall Madden.

Nina Carberry partnered the JP McManus owned winner to victory at Downpatrick last year and those that like to follow previous course winners at the track were delighted as they watched Madden excel in the saddle on the 8/1 chance to hold off the challenge of 9/2 Emperor Concerto and Davy Condon by half a length at the line.

Keep On Track was whispered to be the one to watch in the hunters’ chase and so it proved as Enda Bolger completed a quick double on the night after James Carroll had produced the 11/2 chance to lead at the second last before racing clear to win by five lengths from Niall Kelly on Old Supporter.

Keep On Track was a winner of a point-to-point at Dromahane back in November but had disappointed on a couple of occasions since.

Portstewart owner Bill Porter was trackside to watch his runner’s success.

“Enda likes him a lot. He has plenty of speed and looked like he had plenty left in the tank,” said Porter.

Ballymena trainer Ian Ferguson produced another decent prospect in the shape of 10/1 chance Rathvinden, a seven lengths winner of the bumper in the hands of Maxine O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan sat off the pace for the first mile and swooped into the lead at the foot of the hill to power clear of Rachael Blackmore on Anthony Mullins’ Sam Da Vinci.

“He’s a decent sort with plenty of speed which probably cost him a win at Toomebridge last month when he fell with the race as his mercy,” stated Ferguson after the race.

Next meeting Saturday, July 13, first race 2.30pm.