Turley thrilled with Mig Des Taillons’ Down Royal glory
MIG Des Taillons supplied the first course winner for Pat Turley — the trainer based in the centre of Downpatrick racecourse.
Connections opted to change their tactics having raced in the rear for the most part when runner-up at Tramore, and the local horse was always prominent prior to recording a very facile victory.
Runner-up Lusis Naturea (25s to 5/1) encountered traffic problems at the penultimate flight but was never a threat to Mig Des Taillons, who could be much better than the bare form.
Turley said: “I’ve had point-topoint winners, but it is great to get my first winner under rules. He can be a keen sort, it is more a handbrake you need with him! But he settled lovely.
“He’ll be out again in a couple of weeks.”
The John Mcconnell-trained Go Another One made all to claim the conditions hurdle and record his 11th success in the hands of amateur Ben Harvey, who claimed the Ulster Grand National earlier this year.
The manner of victory bodes well for the future.
Harvey said: “He was entitled to do that. There was a concern over the ground, but he handled it. He jumped well and travelled well.
“He jumped better today but he jumps fences well and has a nice mark over fences.
“It’s nice to ride horses of that calibre — John has been very good to me.”
The favourite Longclaw cantered home in the opener to win in a race full of incidents and which saw just three finishers.
Poets Touch, when appearing held but joint leader, ran out three from home, while the riderless Scholastic, which fell at the second flight, brought down both Sister Eliza and Charlie Bassett at the penultimate hurdle.
The Gordon Elliott winner, who spent a period in America prior to returning to the trainer, had Keith Donoghue aboard and ran second for the most part, but always travelled well and looked the winner from some way out.
Assistant trainer Ian Amond said: “It was probably made easier for him with what went on, but in these types of races you can have that happen.
“He probably won’t go back to America, he will keep tipping away here and keep stepping up in grade now.”
Premium Package, carrying the colours of 2010 Cheltenham Champion Chase winner Big Zeb, won the maiden hurdle for Henry de Bromhead.
Rachael Blackmore highlighted why she is among the top jockeys when she slipped up the inside before three out and was always in control thereafter.
Blackmore said: “He had a lovely first run in Roscommon and he’s always been a very nice horse at home.
“He won a point-to-point, so it’s great to get him off the mark today.”
The Gavin Cromwell-trained
Presenting Meghan, partnered by Jonathan Moore, landed the mares hurdle despite some sketchy jumping. The winner led after the last, with runner-up Bioverdia having looked likely to succeed when leading two from home.
Moore said: “She travelled well and just got a little flat-footed at the top of the hill, but stayed really well and was really game.”
Tricky Trix and Thatbeatsbanagher dominated the running of the long distance hurdle but while the latter jumped into the lead at the third last, it was the former, trained by Dermot Mcloughlin with Conor Maxwell aboard, who kept on best to register her first track success and provide a 20/1 shock victor.
Mcloughlin said: “For some unknown reason she was a bit hesitant at jumping off. We said we would change tactics today and maybe get her away in front. Conor said she kept going and enjoyed herself in front.”
Previous course winner and favourite Lady Heath appeared the likely winner entering the straight in the finale, but it was Sheer Liss with Mickey O’sullivan in the saddle who prevailed for trainer Paul Cashman.