Review DOWNPATRICK 21ST DEC

The Man From Slatt looks a name to note on the hunter chase scene this season after the 6yo routed his rivals in division two of the 2m7f maiden at a well-attended Downpatrick.

The William Murphy-trained gelding was sent into a clear lead from the start by Jamie Codd, and maintained that supremacy throughout to score by 25L.

The winner earned lavish praise from the experienced Codd who said, 'He's the best I've ever ridden in point-to-points or hunter chases.'

'This will really cheer up my mother (owner) who is ill at present, and this horse could be anything as he's won three point-to-points the same way.'

Aaron Murphy had a day to remember when successful on his first racecourse ride as Green Wellies took division one of the maiden hunters chase.

The 19yo Mullingar amateur, who recorded his only two previous point-to-point wins on the gelding this year, gained a renewed effort on the run-in from the 5yo to beat Takeyourpick by 1L.

Murphy's brother Ciaran, who led up the Dot Love-trained gelding, also played a significant role in the victory as he was passed fit to ride after breaking an arm but wanted his brother to keep the mount.

Another front-runner to score on the day was Jack Finch, who readily justified 5/4 favouritism under Andrew McNamara in the maiden hurdle.

The Edward O'Grady-trained gelding always appeared in control, and stayed on well up the hill to beat outsider Kiltorcan Boy by a convincing six lengths.

'Nothing else was going to make the running so I decided to go on. He was looking around a bit in front but was always going well,' confirmed McNamara afterwards.

Carmens Ford took the beginners chase in equally emphatic fashion, appreciating the two miles and seven furlongs distance when charging up the hill under Alan Crowe to beat Well Young Man by 15L.

'She's not the biggest but she's all heart,' said the successful rider afterwards.

A very messy start spoiled the opportunity handicap hurdle, with favourite Berkerys Treasure and Artane Boys taking no part and a number of others badly hampered.

December Sun took full advantage of the mayhem, leading after two out for Stephen Gray and driven clear on the run-in to beat Lemon Drop Lad by 14 lengths.

Robbie Moran rode his first winner for Pat Hughes when Rossbeigh took the opening handicap hurdle in fine style, leading before the last to beat topweight Dealers Trick by 3 1/2L.

'He ran too free in blinkers at Clonmel last time and also weakened quickly on the very testing ground,' said Hughes, who was ending a barren run in recent months.

Robert McCarth, who picked up a two day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency on the runner-up, enjoyed better fortune when taking the bumper on Backtothekingsnest.

Alan Magee