Joy after drama in Downpatrick opener

There was a dramatic conclusion to the opening Bright Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick with the challenging favourite Rough Justice attempting to run out and unseating Paul Townend at the second last.

The mare, Triplets Joy (10/1) was then left clear for the win. A daughter of the popular stallion, Arcadio, Ballinaboola point-to-point scorer Triplets Joy went on under Mark Enright to score by three lengths from Well Tuned

Paul Nolan trains Triplets Joy for Dominic Stafford and the latter said: "My daughter-in-law Stacey Stafford bought this horse for me as a birthday present.

"That's my first track winner though she did win a point-to-point at Ballinaboola. She lacked a bit in Limerick when she didn't pick up after the last, but since then she has been much stronger in her schooling.

"I'm from Enniscorthy Co Wexford and it was a right trip up. I've never been here before. It's a most unusual track, it's very testing. You wouldn't see on TV the hill at the finish. It's very undulating.

"I have five horses but Triplets Joy is the only one racing. The other four are yearlings and two-year-olds being reared."

Meanwhile Paul Nolan later said: "It's great to get a win out of her, she's won a point-to-point and a maiden hurdle now. "She's really genuine and loves what she does. It's great to win for Dominic as we've been the best of friends for a long time."

Roy W. Tector, trainer of Ancient Warrior reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to have burst a blood vessel on endoscopic examination.

Adrian Paul Keatley, trainer of Secret Approval reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was found to have an irregular heart beat post race.

(MG & EM)