A great shot of Davy Condon getting up on Riverside City to beat Man With Van and Andrew Lynch© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott and Davy Condon capped a big day when Riverside City put in a storming late run to take the feature Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National EBF Handicap Chase at Downpatrick.
Without a victory in eight starts over the bigger obstacles, the JP McManus-owned six-year-old was sent off a 9-1 chance and had plenty to do in the closing stages, with four horses still in front of him as they cleared the final fence.
He had plenty of momentum, however, and collared the top-weight Man With Van deep on the run-in before holding his rival at bay by a head in a thrilling finish.
Progressive Cheltenham Festival charity race winner Knight's Parade led home a one-two for Elliott after a dramatic conclusion to the Visit toals.co.uk Rated Hurdle.< Sailors Warn held every chance when crashing out at the second-last, bringing down Massini's Trap and Condon had to stoke up Knight's Parade (11-10 favourite) to catch Cape Glory on the run-in to score by a length.
Ted Walsh's 4-6 favourite Salsa Sensation gave backers a minor scare when clumsy at the third-last in the www.downpatrickracecourse.co.uk Maiden Hurdle, but Ruby Walsh always looked happy and led going to the last before winning by six and a half lengths.
Ger Fox looked to have plenty to do jumping the last in fourth spot in the 'Ulsters Real McCoy' Handicap Chase, but Peter Kavanagh's 6-1 shot Town Pond dug deep and collared Ardmillan & ndash; ridden by Fox's twin brother Anthony - late on to score by a neck.
Derek Fox delivered Feel The Air with a punishing run heading to two out in the Toals Best Value For Football Betting Handicap Hurdle and Mark McNiff's 9-1 shot quickly asserted after jumping the obstacle to win by seven lengths.
Jim Dreaper's recent point winner Lord Fingal (5-2) set off in front under Stephen Clements in the At The Races Maiden Hunters Chase and ran on strongly to score by seven lengths.
