Ulster Grand National fever

Ulster Grand National fever

21 March 2012

THE Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National fixture is the showcase meeting of the racing season at Downpatrick racecourse.

Course manager Richard Lyttle will introduce several new innovations at this year’s meeting which takes place on Sunday.

The £25,000 premier chase over the unique undulating track has already attracted the attention of British trainer Peter Niven, who is considering entering Posh Bird, runner-up to Hughies Grey in last year’s contest when trained by Ian Ferguson from Ballymena.

Posh Bird is owned by Ballymena businessman David Bamber who said on Monday: “She went well over the course last year and I have spoken to the trainer about entering in the Toal’s Ulster National.”

Posh Bird registered a career best when second in the Eider Chase at Newcastle last month. Omagh trainer, Mervyn Torrens intends again entering last year’s winner Hughies Grey along with Quartetto which ran at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of years go.

Ferguson will saddle Ballywall, fourth in the Ulster National last season and a runner-up in 20 10. Crossgar trainer Colin McBratney will have a trio of entries with Selection Box, Essifer and Sole Witness.

The racecourse management have added several new features to their Sunday showcase fixture.

The day will benefit Marie Curie Cancer Care with a ladies’ best dressed competition highlighting the Daffodil Appeal and ladies will wear their yellow dresses for the day.

The Michael Buble Champagne Bar will allow punters and owners to celebrate success while the St Miguel’s Youth Band will play at the course in addition to the 5FM Live Road show. There’s post racing entertainment and music with Hugo Duncan along with the popular race day prize draws. A limited availability for corporate hospitality supporting Bright GAA is available.

Gary Toal, who heads the Ulster bookmaking company with 40 shops and one in every province said: “We are delighted to be again be associated with the Ulster National and with the big race fixture moved to Sunday hopefully more racegoers can get to Downpatrick and pick the National winner.”