Northumberland trainer Alistair Charlton made his first visit to Downpatrick a winning one last Saturday when he saddled King Bavard to justify favouritism with consummate ease in the concluding bumper.
Carrying the colours of Raymond Anderson Green whose colours were carried to victory aboard Perky Brave in the corresponding race last season, the 4-5 market leader forged to the front half-a-mile from home before drawing steadily clear of his toiling rivals after the two furlong pole to score by fifteen lengths.
For winning rider Wilson Rendwick (19), who hails from Hawick in Scotland, it was his 17th success in the plate and his last victory as an amateur as he joins the paid ranks cross-channel today.
Fran Flood was in trouble with the local stewards after his mount Indiana Journey finished sixth behind the Noel Meade-trained Just For Ger and Paul Carberry in the maiden hurdle. The officials banned him for seven days for insufficient effort and noted trainer Tony Martin's explanation.
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