FESTIVAL FIRST DAY ATRACTS BRITISH INTEREST The first day of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing at Down Royal on Friday has attracted almost 200 entries, including Feel The Pride trained by Jonjo O´Neill which has been entered for the listed Scarvagh Stud Mares Hurdle while Nicky Richards has Bob The Piler engaged in the Charles Hurst Jaguar Portadown Hurdle.The Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle which features on the first day card has 17 entered with several top trainers having made multiple entries. Michael O´Brien (3), Dessie Hughes (2), Noel Meade (2) and Willie Mullins (2) all hold a strong hand in the contest with Liscannor Lad, Swordplay and Marigold interesting entries.Down Royal bumpers have proved a source of future stars and the Archie Watson Memorial event promises to be extra special with the Mullins brothers, Willie and Tony having several of their top young talent engaged. Willie Mullins has 5 entered including Euro Leader and Lasquini Du Moulin while Tony Mullins is doubly represented with Shannon Leader and The Posh Paddy.
