Punters left to lick their open wounds as bookies clean up

Punters left to lick their open wounds as bookies clean up

3 October 2012

BIG-PRICED winners were the order of the day at Downpatrick last Wednesday with Ruby Walsh’s success in the beginners’ chase on favourite Bundle of Fun the only relief for backers on the day.

The meeting was in doubt after two days of torrential rain, but went ahead after passing an early-morning inspection.

Noel Meade and Paul Carberry joined forces to record a double with 16/1 shot North Star Lad opening their account for the day when having 16 lengths to spare over Davy Russell on Pigeon Creek in the maiden hurdle.

The Derry-owned gelding improved from a fair effort at Galway last time out and looks set for a career over jumps.

“He has shown us nothing at home to get excited about, but he’s a nice big horse who could have a future over fences and that’s where we will aim him,” said Meade after the race.

The successful jockey and trainer completed their double when Dark Prospect, rated 114 over hurdles, denied 11/8 favourite Clara More by just over two lengths at the first time of asking over the larger obstacles.

The seven-year-old gelding answered Carberry in positive fashion after clearing the final fence and might be one to stay with next time out.

Musawama, formerly trained in England by John Gosden, put up a very good display in the opening race of the day under an enterprising ride from Barry Cash.

Trainer Denis Cullen was worried about ground conditions prior to the race, but his concerns proved unfounded as his runner pummelled his rivals into submission on the way to a 31 length victory.

Meath handler Des McDonogh, father of top Irish flat jockey Declan, and former trainer of Champion Hurdle winner Monksfield, travelled up from Meath to saddle 33/1 shot World Citizen for a shock win in the handicap hurdle.

The winner responded well under Derry claimer Jody McGarvey to fend off the challenge of Fitzgutentyte and Kevin Sexton by three-quarters of a length to give McDonogh his first winner since May.

“Jody gave him a positive ride and he jumped great off a low weight which helped us no end,” said McDonogh in the winner’s enclosure.

Bundle of Fun provided the only respite for favourite backers with a futile success under Ruby Walsh in the beginners’ chase.

Willie Mullins made the trip up from his County Carlow base to watch the Cork-syndicated runner cruise to a 31 lengths victory following a poor effort at Listowel last time out.

“He hates soft ground, but appreciated the parts of the track where the ground was more to his liking. I might think of a campaign across the water in England for him as he will get the better ground he needs,” said Mullins of the 7/4 winner.

First time blinkers did the trick for 20/1 chance Barnevelder who looked to have plenty to do under Robbie Moran after appearing to out, having disputed the lead three out in the handicap chase.

However, Shane Nolan’s Kildare raider came back for more at the last and stayed on well under pressure to deny favourite Dunroe Boy by just over six lengths.

Benevolent was backed as if defeat was out of the question in the bumper, but the Gigginstown House Stud runner failed to fire under Nina Carberry, eventually finishing a long way back in fourth.

Tyrone trainer Andy Oliver saddled two in the race with the outsider of the pair, Drumgooland and Roger Quinlan, stretching clear down the hill and cruising to victory by 17 lengths from Shes Tensixtysix and Paddy Mullins.

• The next Downpatrick meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 14.