Willie Mullins continued his fine recent form with a treble at Downpatrick, highlighted with Ballytrim (8-1) landing the Powers Ulster Grand National EBF Handicap in fine style.
After revealing earlier in the week that Hurricane Fly, one of his main Cheltenham hopes, would have to miss the meeting, victory in the feature race of the day was just the tonic the County Carlow handler.
Given a very confident ride by Paul Townend, the eight-year-old, who was the mount of Johnny Murtagh in the 2006 Champion Bumper, beat Rossbeigh by seven lengths.
Mullins said: "That is the first time I have won this race. We have possibly been dropping him out too much in his races and the better ground was a big help.
"The Irish National is a possibility or he may go to Punchestown."
Mullins also scored with Barker (evens favourite), having his first run for the yard in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase.
"I'm delighted with the way he jumped, he'd lost his way a bit but seems to be back to himself," said Mullins.
Few meetings pass by these days without a Mullins bumper winner, and this time it was Hammersmith (11-10 favourite) obliged.< Itsallaracket continues to progress for Seamus Lynch and had no trouble taking the Downpatrick EBF Mares Novice Hurdle under conditional jockey Eoin McCarthy.
The 8-11 favourite come home four lengths clear of Hello Kitty
"She's going the right way and she's getting more settled in her races and her jumping is coming together," said Lynch.
"The ground was perfect here for her, she wouldn't want it any faster. She will go for the Shannon Spray Hurdle at Limerick."< Road Runner (8-1) gave trainer Daniel Miley his first winner at the track when he beat Any Bets by a length and a half in the On-Course Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle under Alain Cawley.
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