Review DOWNPATRICK 10th May

Dirtybirdie shed his maiden tag at the eighth attempt in the Downpatrick On-Course Bookmakers Handicap.

Mick Halford's 13-2 chance was never too far from the pace under Ross Cleary and went after Rochester Falls when that one kicked on half a mile from home.

After quite a tussle, he got the measure of that rival before repelling the challenge of Samsha Cailin by a length.

Propaganda made all of the running in the hands of Wayne Lordan to take the Magners Cider Handicap.

The race looked between the 9-2 winner and her nearest pursuer Swift Sailing from a long way out and Lordan kept the ex-Luca Cumani inmate up to her work to register a two-length verdict.

Bidalia let down favourite-backers when going under in the Heart Of Down Race.

Sent of at 4-5, Michael Grassick's market leader found the Seamus O'Farrell-trained 12-1 chance Proud To Be Irish four and a half lengths too good in the one-mile-three-furlong affair.

Bookmakers had further reason to cheer when Lorum Leader (20-1) turned over Rory's Pleasure in the Anglo Printers Beginners Chase.

The 5-4 favourite looked to have matters sewn up when landing over three out in a share of the lead, travelling much stronger than the eventual winner.

But Sean Flanagan conjured a great rally out of his partner and the pair crossed the line three quarters of a length to the good.

Punters at least got something back when the ever-consistent Newton Bridge supplemented Monday's Down Royal success in the Bet With The Tote Handicap Chase.

Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by his brother Joey, the even-money market leader touched down in a share of the lead over the third-last but Mr Philosopher loomed up travelling ominously well.

However, Newton Bridge responded well to pressure to keep his head in front by a length.

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