Sir Ector and his jubilant connections© Photo Healy Racing
Much like Toccata Blue in the previous contest Sir Ector left behind his most recent effort when becoming the first Northern Irish-trained winner of the Ulster Derby at Down Royal, which is of course backed by Magners.
Chris Hayes (25) was riding his 3rd Ulster Derby winner on Sir Ector, following on from Celtic Dane in 2010 and Temlett in 2007. The Limerick jockey was also completing a double on this card having earlier triumphed on Zakhm
Fourteen to one chance, Sir Ector, napped by the Irish Field's Margie McLoone (now in 2nd place) in the Ladbrokes 2013 Weekend Nap Table, got to the front a furlong out and he stayed on well to beat the favourite, Maggie Dalton by two and a half lengths.
Mark Johnston 's raider, Scatter Dice made the running but she eventually had to settle for third. Last year's hero, Alhellal (6s into 9/2) could only manage fifth on this occasion.
Winning trainer, Jimmy Lambe, sporting a bright pink shirt, divulged: "I'm wearing the shirt for the occasion. He was a good horse in France running at tracks like Longchamp.
"He wasn't right when he was tailed off here last time. He's a good versatile horse, winning around Leopardstown before.
"They went a good gallop and he's a good stayer. He's one of the best I've had on the flat.
"He'll maybe go to Galway next.
"The syndicate (the Dorightlys) are all from South Armagh and we'll have a big party tonight." (MG & EM)
