McBratney steals show

McBratney steals show

15 June 2016

CROSSGAR trainer Colin McBratney saddled Drumhart to win the feature race at Downpatrick on Sunday when his charge came from off the pace to run out a cosy winner of the handicap chase.

Jockey Sean Flanagan had plenty of horse under him racing down the hill and following a decent leap at the last set sail for home. Drumhart answered every call and at the line had three lengths to spare over runner-up Coldstonesober and Johnathan Moore. Russian Regent took third place for Kevin Sexton and Gordon Elliott.

McBratney was well pleased with the run and singled out Flanagan for some special praise for his performance in the saddle. Drumhart looked to appreciate the slight bit of ease in the ground, which arrived courtesy of some prolonged showers prior to the meeting, and could head over to Scotland next for a decent pot at Perth in July.

Incidentally, jockeys and trainers alike praised the ground conditions at the track following three weeks of non-stop sunshine. Head groundsman Fintan Ward and his team put the equivalent of 30mm of rainfall on the course in the week leading up to racing and a decent covering of grass ensured underfoot conditions were safe. 

Gordon Elliott saddled the first leg of a double at the meeting, taking the opener when 2/1 favourite Lake Malawi had enough in reserve to fend off the challenge of the gambled-on Atlantic Breaker in the race up the home straight.

Derek Fox and Atlantic Breaker landed just in front over the final flight, but Luke Dempsey threw everything at Lake Malawi in the race to the line and his perseverance paid off with a half length success.

Limerick trainer Enda Bolger saddled Floral Fantasy to land the mares’ handicap hurdle in good style for top owner JP McManus.

Supporters of the winner would have had few anxious moments and after clearing the final hurdle Mark Walsh stretched his mount clear to have four and a half lengths in hand of Bell of the Ball and Rachael Blackmore for Newry trainer Liam Lennon.

Sligo trainer Mark McNiff once again saddled a winner at Downpatrick when Mr Mulliner defied top weight to run out a game winner of the Sunday in Summer Handicap Hurdle.

The winner kept up a 100% percent record over hurdles at Downpatrick and was given a top notch ride by Derek Fox, coming with a late run to overhaul joint favourites Tellthemnuttin and Overtures on their way to a half length victory.

Meath trainer Keith Clarke saddled his first chase winner when veteran jockey Barry Cash and 20/1 outsider Western Goose took the plaudits in the beginners’ steeplechase.

Cash’s mount was foot-perfect at her fences throughout the race and after jumping the last went clear for a four lengths success from Liam Lennon’s I’m An Izz Wizz with Aminabad back in third for Gordon Elliott.

Kevin Sexton partnered 10/1 shot Ballyfinboy to record another track victory in the handicap chase for Tipperary trainer Jimmy Finn. Sexton was content to place his mount towards the head of affairs for most of the two miles two furlongs trip and had enough in reserve to hold off the challenge of Ger Fox on House Limit by a length and a half with Antrim raider Personal Shopper half a length back under Danny Mullins.

In the final race on the card Nina Carberry produced Blue Empyrean with a perfect run up the home straight to land a double for trainer Gordon Elliott with a half length success over Sweet Shirleen in the ladies’ bumper.

The 6/4 favourite will probably appreciate being upped in trip in time and is owned by Banbridge solicitor John Taylor.

Benny In Milan, under Katie Harrington, caught the eye in third for Kildare trainer Peter Fahey.

During the meeting a cheque for £6,000 was presented to Jonjo Bright and his father John of the Jonjo Bright Trust by organisers of the Minerstown Tavern Talks Cheltenham Preview Night held back in March. 

Added to the total raised last year, Donal Smith and his team have now raised close to £14,000 towards the charity and alongside local trainers Brian Hamilton and Colin McBratney, television celebrity Pamela Ballantine, tavern proprietor Sean Rogan, Jim Monaghan and family members of Jim Monaghan Car Sales as well as a group of racing fans from the bar, were delighted to be able to donate a sizeable amount to such a worthy charity.

Next meeting: Wednesday,  July 13.