Downpatrick preview

It’s the big day of the year at Downpatrick on Wednesday, with the €25,000 Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National the centrepiece of a seven-race programme. A full compliment of fifteen runners are due to face the starter in the 3m4f event, with confirmed stayer Rock Diplomat one of the more likely contenders.

Michael Cunningham’s ten year-old, who has blinkers fitted for the first time today rather than the usual cheek pieces, will have the assistance of last year’s successful jockey Paul Townend. The novice Sigma Lifestyle, another with headgear applied for the first time, may give him most to do.

Last time out winners Miss Mary Mac and Spare Shilling clash with useful types Maryiver and Rossdara in the valuable mares novice hurdle. The first-named may well justify the long trip from her Co Clare base if fully wound up for her first start since September.

Mighty Massini, representing local handler Colin McBratney, sets the standard in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase, while recent Fairyhouse scorer Nedzer’s Return ought to be very hard to beat with a reproduction of that effort in the hunters chase.

Categories: Horse racing