Karl Wyse capitalised on the misfortune of Shane McGovern when teaming up with Slavica to win the Ulster National at Downpatrick yesterday. Wyse, who drew level with Philip Fenton at the head of the amateur championship race in the process, was recording his biggest success over fences aboard the 4 to 1 shot, who drew right away from market leader All But on the run down to the penultimate fence.
Winning trainer Donal Hayes, who trains under permit outside Thurles, said of his only horse in training: 'I'm absolutely over the moon today and hopefully he'll run in another national. If it's wet over Easter, we could run in the Irish National. It's unlikely she'll run beforehand in Cheltenham, but the Midlands National at Uttoxeter would be a dream.' Shane McGovern missed this winning ride after suffering a tumble in a four-horse pile-up earlier in the day in the maiden hurdle won by Prince Valiant and David Evans. The unlucky McGovern was stood down for seven days after suffering severe bruising to his right thigh, elbow and foot when his mount, Times O'War, was brought down at the first flight.
Also in the wars was Conor O'Dwyer, who will also be out of action for seven days after his mount, Miss Divin, unseated him. He suffered concussion and needed three stitches in his upper lip.
