Billy Proves to be a Mate to Spark

After starting on a good note with a winning favourite, punters had to contend with a second 16/1 winner in the third race as Night Spark benefited from Billy No Mates departure at the last.

The latter headed the market at 6/4 and was in command when crumbling on landing at the final flight giving Paddy Flood a nasty tumble (stood down for the day with lower back pain).

Night Spark and Mark Walsh were then left to beat off Green Tobasco by three lengths. For winning trainer, Christy Donoghue, this was another winner at the Maze to add to Liscarton Oscar's success here on St Patrick's Day. Unfortunately for all involved that fellow was subsequently killed at Sligo.