Young amateur Andrew Lynch stole the limelight at this bank holiday mixed meeting when completing an 83 1/2 to 1 double aboard Altregan Lady and Bavardante.
Lynch, 17, son of former rider Sean, only opened his account under rules on Tristernagh at this venue last month and was again on the mark with Altregan Lady in the Down Point-To-Point (QR) Maiden Hurdle. The seven-year-old mare and Zaffaran In Eden fought out a terrific battle on the final climb to the line, with Paddy Mooney's charge just prevailing by a head.
Bavardante led four out in the Ardglass Hunters Chase, although the Al O'Connell-trained gelding was undoubtedly a shade fortunate as Glynn Dingle fell two out when poised to challenge. Lynch, who has also ridden two winners in point-to-points, now switches his attention to studies as he sits the Leaving Certificate.
Harry The Ear benefitted from a positive ride by Tadhg O'Shea in the Heart Of Down Maiden, driven clear approaching the home bend and staying on well to beat Park Leader by three lengths. 'He's claustrophobic and won't go into the starting stalls, so that's why we decided to try here. If he comes out of this race okay then the plan is to go for the winners-of-one at Laytown next Monday,' said winning trainer Michael Halford.
John Cullen had Touchwoodexpress prominent throughout in the Doonhamer Handicap Hurdle, and she kept on gamely under pressure to hold off Didntearyea by half-a-length. Successful trainer Paul Nolan was just one of a number of absent handlers searching for new talent at the Goffs Sales, with Pat Flynn and Pat Hughes also at the Kill auditorium.
The Pat Flynn-trained Indy Carr justified favouritism in the Newcastle Handicap, with Danny Grant making the decisive move by sending the five-year-old clear over two furlongs out to beat Treasured Guest by two-and-a-half-lengths.
Pat Hughes' brother John reported that High Prospect will bid for a quick follow-up under a mandatory penalty at Ballinrobe next Monday after the Lycius gelding easily landed the Belfast Handicap in the hands of Fran Berry.
Alan Magee
