Ireland ran out comfortable 86 to 58 winners over Australia as the national hunt jockeys' challenge concluded with a three-race competition at Downpatrick yesterday.
With the forecast second favourite, Live Our Dreams an absentee in the opener, things began badly for the Aussies. That animal was due to be partnered by Bill Williams, and his non-appearance seemed to leave the way open for Paul Carberry, aboard Sigma Techs.
An opening chalk of 4/5 about Noel Meade's charge was well received by punters who forced the 'jolly' into 4/9. Those who invested were proved correct as Carberry's mount sauntered to a very easy seven length win over the John Allen-ridden Mondeed.
This effectively secured a win for the Irish and confirmation came following the handicap hurdle. Here, David Casey teamed up with Gerry Stack as End Of The Rainbow came home a three and a half length winner after the front running Mr Meyer looked likely to succeed.
The score was 74 to 46 following that event and the final leg again saw the home team dominate. Trainer, Eamonn Sheehy appeared to have a strong hand with the first and second favourites in the handicap chase and the market was proved correct as the Kilkenny horses filled the first two placings.
However it was not in the order expected as Autumn Mist (9/4) got the better of Wall St Station (7/4 fav), who had set out to make all. Successful in a maiden hurdle at the course last month, the Mark Grant ridden winner ran out a comprehensive fourteen length victor over his stable companion.
Padraig Beggy (17) from Dunboyne partnered his third career success when surviving a steward's enquiry in the Mace N.I. Champion Apprentice handicap. Riding Baltray Queen for Harry Rogers, the pair drifted to the stands rail up the hill but only slightly hampered the second placed, Lucagene and the result stood.
Billy Lee again showed what a promising talent he is when bringing Jimmy Spot On with a late run to score in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap. Whilst Barry Geraghty got on the scoresheet when Hip Pocket justified favouritism in the beginners chase.
Supporters of the market leader also got it right when Jack Lord took the bumper for Paul Nolan and Aidan Fitzgerald.
Norman Williamson meanwhile was taken to Downpatrick hospital for precautionary x-rays after coming to grief on Cmewin in the beginners chase.
