Michael Halford was the trainer in form at Downpatrick's Saturday afternoon fixture when saddling a double with Corporate Express and Pharviva.
Corporate Express landed the odds in convincing style in the opening Strangford Fuel Maiden Hurdle, leading three out under Paul Carberry and shaken up on the run-in to beat Fiddlerontheroof by two and a half lengths.
'Paul said he was a bit lazy in front and it's a good while since he last ran. That's a nice start for him and will do his confidence good. He loves summer ground, and will mix it between hurdles and the Flat,' said trainer Michael Halford.
Pharviva also relished the good to firm conditions in the Irish Field (Qualified Riders) Hurdle, shrugging off the challenge of market rival Gold Spear after two out to score by eight lengths in the hands of Roger Loughran. 'I was a bit worried about him staying the trip (two and three quarter miles) but he seems to be a bit stronger than last year. He should make a nice summer chaser some day,' said Halford.
Pure N Simple's stamina-packed pedigree proved decisive when gaining a valuable winning bracket in the Beamish Stout Maiden Hurdle. The Jessica Harrington-trained mare, who is from the family of Grand National winners Hallo Dandy and Rhyme 'N' Reason, was only third over the final flight but dug deep for champion claimer Robert Power to pip Wood I Ever by a length.
Amateur rider Eddie Power was given a two days suspension for using his whip with excessive frequency aboard fourth-placed Dunguaire.
Floreen benefited from a dream run through on the inner at the second last under claimer John Sullivan to take the Willie Polly Memorial Handicap Hurdle. 'She joined me five months ago from Jessica Harrington and deserved that win. Unfortunately her owner Michael Ennis couldn't be here today as he's training with the Westmeath football team,' said trainer Seamus Fahey.
Kylebeg Dancer and Heroism fought out a terrific finish in the Downpatrick On-Course Bookmakers Handicap, with the former finding a bit extra in the closing stages for Robbie Burke as the pair pulled 11 lengths clear of the remainder. 'I bought her at Goffs as a yearling with the view to being a dual-purpose horse, and hopefully we have one now. She's a lovely genuine filly,' said trainer Tom Hogan.
Tanwir (1/3) easily landed the odds in the Heart Of Down Maiden, making most under Pat Smullen and ridden out to beat Fiina by two and a half lengths.
Alan Magee
