Crowds flock to racecourse

Crowds flock to racecourse

18 June 2025

SATURDAY’S meeting at Downpatrick Racecourse had to be called off following heavy overnight and morning rain, but Sunday’s racing was able to go ahead in perfect conditions and drew a fantastic crowd.

The meeting proved to be a good one for Co Carlow trainer Willie Mullins and conditional jockey Paddy O’Brien, as well as Co Meath trainer Tony Martin and jockey Kevin Sexton, who combined to record a big-priced double.

Mullins was first to get off the mark, as his charge, Yoradreamer, ridden by 71B claimer Sean Cleary-Farrell, took the Randox Maiden Hurdle in smooth style from Penny Express, ridden by Kevin Sexton, and Dysart Dasher, also from the Mullins stable.

For the winning jockey, it is interesting to recall that he recorded his first ever winner at Downpatrick some years ago.

At present, only jockeys who have ridden less than 15 winners in the 2024/25 season are allowed, which gives the lesser names a chance to shine.

Mullins then saddled the newcomer, Liadawn, in the Pro/Am bumper race. Ridden by his son, Patrick — a regular champion amateur and Grand National-winning jockey — the grey was the most impressive winner of the day when coming home 10 lengths clear of Beir Bua and Walks The Talk.

O’Brien’s first success of the day came in the Stallion Farms Handicap Hurdle, when Theflyingbee stayed on well up the hill and beat Maxios Prime — a second ride at the track for England-based jockey Ciaran Gethings — and the top-weight Dame Rapide.

For his second success, O’Brien joined forces with his boss, Gavin Cromwell, to win the Tote Handicap Hurdle on 11/4 joint-favourite Tonaghneave Well, finishing strongly to beat Run For Harry — one of two runners in the race for trainer Gillian Callaghan.

Bowensonfire was third under Finn Brickley, who was later given a five-day suspension as he had used his whip 12 times in the closing stages.

The shock result of the day came in the Dunlop Homes Rated Novice Hurdle, where Martin’s Bruant was an early back-marker but finished well under the in-form Sexton, winning ahead of Boston Rajj and Dunkerque. 

Sexton and Martin went on to record a double in the CAB Plant Handicap Hurdle, as Pralognan (FR) had a half-length to spare over Ar Nos Na Gaoithe (IRE) and Ciaran Russell’s Chatterbox.

A winner of the bumper at the previous Downpatrick meeting, Cinnamon Roll showed his liking for the track when winning the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Carl Millar.

Mullins’ Full Confession finished second, with Keep Kool Loko and Trevor Ryan in third. 

The acting stewards on the day were Robert Steele (chairperson), Tom Breen, Frankie Fitzsimons and Hugh Hynes.

The Ulster Derby meeting at Down Royal takes place this Friday and Saturday.

Ballynoe jockey Danny McMenamin rode a winner at Hexham on Saturday and got married to Jenna Trelease on Sunday.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Ballee jockey Toni Quail, who was recently crowned the PTO Pie champion lady jockey for the 2024/25 point-to-point season. 

Toni’s mount in the ladies’ race at Punchestown crashed out at the first hurdle, resulting in her being moved to Tallaght hospital. She has since been fitted with a halo neck brace and will be out of action for some time. 

Toni and her parents, Brian and Donna, wish to thank all of those who have cared for her, as well as those who have offered their best wishes.