Miranour (centre) on his way to victory under Jody McGarvey© Photo Healy Racing
Over the years it has become apparent that the Northern trainers are the ones to follow when punting at Downpatrick, and that theory stood firm in the opener at the Co Down venue, as Miranour took the Bring On The Weekend Handicap Hurdle for Newry trainer Liam Lennon.
Ridden by fellow Northern man, Jody McGarvey, the eight-year-old son of Mujahid was backed on-course from 8's into 5's.
He hit the front after the second last and he kept on well under pressure from there to see off the challenge of Kims Dream (7/2 favourite this morning but ended up at 7/1) and John Cullen by a three parts of a length at the line. Daytime Dreamer finished five and a half lengths back in third at 12/1 under Liam McKenna for James Lambe while Vinniespride (sent off the 9/2fav) dead-heated for fifth.
Running in the Tammys Hill colours (he himself run in the big Hunters Chase at Stratford this evening) of Patrick Smyth, the winning eight-year-old gelding was recording his first racecourse success, having won a point-to-point at Tinahely in October of last year.
Seamus Smyth, brother of the winning owner, said afterwards; "Liam (Lennon) was saying he’d be right up there. We were expecting a good run.
"Jody gave him a powerful ride. The false start the last day didn’t help him.
"Now we will see what Tammys (Hill) can do!"
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
