Fran Berry won the featured Ulster Cesarewitch for the third time when partnering Madonna Fan to victory for trainer Arthur Moore at Downpatrick this afternoon.
The Mighty Minnow looked to have the race wrapped up with a furlong to run but Berry showed why he is one of Ireland's best young jockeys by producing the 4/1 fav with a late surging run to collar Rory Cleary on the line.
Arthur Moore said of his winner: 'He was always going well and always in contention. Although the runner-up got a head start on us at the finish, Fran had him close enough. He gave him a great ride.'
Paul Carberry got favourite backers off to a winning start with a bloodless 7 length victory aboard the Dermot Weld-trained Lowlander (4/7-4/5-8/13) in the opening maiden hurdle.
The 4yo, who now goes for a winners hurdle at Tralee at the weekend, was purchased at Newmarket sales late last year for Robert Sinclair/ Michael Smurfit having won four times for previous trainer John Oxx.
Carberry later doubled up when partnering the John Bowles-trained Move The News (5/2fav) in the Eastwood Bookmakers handicap hurdle.
Carberry admitted his mount 'tired a bit coming up the hill but always had something left in the tank.' Bowles added: 'He takes a break now because the handicapper has murdered him!'
Eamon Tyrell, owner of the equine swimming pool on the Curragh, recorded his fourth success of the campaign when Aliwaiyn (12/1) held off a strong challenge from Galway Blade and well supported favourite Lisa Baker in the 2m 2f handicap hurdle.
The 12/1 shot took up the running after the fourth under Sonny Carey to score by 1/2 length. The 9yo will head for Ballinrobe at the weekend if the ground remains fast.
Pat Smullen was seen to good effect in the Eastwood Bookmakers Race when driving home his 53rd winner of the year aboard the 8/13 favourite Kirov King providing his boss Dermot Weld with a mixed double.
The Lady O'Reilly-owned 3yo led from after the last to beat Sharp Wit by 1 1/2lengths. The colt now goes handicapping.
Michael Hussey gave Mount George a fantastic ride in the 1m 5f handicap to score by the minimum margin from Regal Dancer.
Trainer Noel Meade said: 'He's nothing special but obviously good enough for a moderate handicap like this, so I'll keep him the same kind of company.'
