A large crowd turned out for the highlight of the racing year at Downpatrick, the Powers Ulster National EBF Handicap Chase, and the locally trained Lancero benefitted from a patient ride by David Casey to land the 25,000 euro marathon.
The six-year-old gelding made gradual progress to join Fanion De Neulliac and Back In Thyne before the two fences in the dip, and struck the front on the uphill run to the line for a three lengths verdict over last year's winner Back In Thyne.
'We discovered that he had a slight lung infection after running poorly at Naas last time, and a course of antibiotics helped to clear it up. He's an exceptional jumper, stays well and is suited by a light weight as he's not that big,' said trainer Jeremy Maxwell.
Paddies Boy could head next for the Foxhunters at Aintree after taking the hunter chase under Denis Cullen. The three-time point-to-point winner outstayed favourite William Ulsterman on the run-in to score by four and a half lengths.
The father and son team of Arthur and J D Moore combined to land the maiden hurdle with Kilt D'estruval. The French-bred gelding made all, and kept on to beat the odds-on Mossland, who drifted left under pressure in the closing stages, by six lengths. 'Making the running suited him around here, and he will go chasing in time,' said Moore senior.
Adrian Lane partnered his 18th winner of the season when My Native Donegal led three out in the opportunity maiden hurdle for a ten length victory over Ross Comm. 'He jumps well, is a sound stayer and should make a nice chaser,' said successful trainer Pat Fahy.
Strabane trainer Lindsay Woods saddled his first winner since the Tralee Festival last August when Dream Castle made virtually all under Shay Barry in the handicap hurdle. The injury-prone nine-year-old gelding stayed on dourly in the straight to beat Sparrow's Trap by 15 lengths.
Alan Magee
