Elliott records yet another winner at Downpatrick races

Elliott records yet another winner at Downpatrick races

17 June 2015

COUNTY Meath trainer Gordon Elliott continued where he left off at the last meeting when landing the opener at Downpatrick on Sunday with Mooneister partnered by Luke Dempsey.

The winner, a multiple scorer on the level, was opening his account over jumps. He stayed in the middle of the field and gradually improved his position before overhauling long time leader Rufino near the line in a thrilling finish.

Elliott said afterwards: “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.”

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.

Molloy said afterwards: “We love coming to Downpatrick as the track is so well maintained and they look after connections exceptionally well.

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 afterwards: “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.”

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 later: “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.

The winner was partnered by former All-Ireland champion point to point rider Jamie Codd after intended jockey Bryan Cooper was stood down with 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 15-length lead from the rest of the field.

Royal Chief kept up the gallop as El Grande faded but Albarta, trained in Co. 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 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.