National meeting will take place next week

National meeting will take place next week

27 March 2013

SUNDAY’S Ulster National meeting at Downpatrick, sponsored by Toals Bookmakers, was a casualty of the weather and has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 3.

Persistent rain overnight on Thursday which continued to fall during Friday resulted an official inspection of the track, after which the meeting was cancelled.

One of the most disappointed people was jockey Liam McKenna, stepson of County Tyrone trainer James Lambe, who was due to have his first ever National ride over the Downpatrick fences.

He had been promised a mount in the big race by his stepfather, who had three horses engaged in the feature chase, plus a ride for another Tyrone trainer, Andy Oliver, who is better known for his exploits on the flat at the meeting.

The teenager has enjoyed four winners to date this term with three over hurdles, including one at Downpatrick.

McKenna said: “I was expecting the fixture cancelled with the weather forecast but was really looking forward to riding in the Ulster National.

Also pleased that the race has been rescheduled is County Monaghan trainer Oliver Brady whose runner, Duroob, won the big race last year but was only first reserve for this year’s high-class renewal. Organisers are hopeful of a good attendance next Wednesday.