Diamond Tipp takes to hurdles in Downpatrick Diamond Tipp (7/1) put in a more than pleasing debut effort over flights to claim the opening mares' maiden hurdle at Downpatrick. A trip of an extended 2m1f was on offer and Alex Harvey always had her tracking the pace. The pair jumped into the lead from even-money-favourite Sophia Rose over the last and galloped home by five lengths for the Only Tools & Horses Syndicate. Auntie Lacey (15/2) finished three lengths adrift of the favourite in third. John McConnell said: "We were so disappointed with her runs this year in bumpers. I'm sure it was rapeseed the first day and then she ran a good bit better but, not what she could the last day, and we gastroscoped her and she had ulcers. She has had her treatment. "She jumps really, really well, really quick. "Her bumper form was as good as anything in the race, so if I could just get her back to that. "I'm delighted with the lads, they have stuck with her. They were a bit deflated after the last couple of runs because they were really looking forward to this season. "She's a good filly and always worked well, so hopefully she can go on and get another one and we'll see then."
