Born Braver conquers for Cromwell in Ulster National Trainer Gavin Cromwell and jockey Keith Donoghue resumed winning-ways in Downpatrick’s €50,000 Randox Ulster National today, landing this year’s renewal with the Duffy family’s Born Braver (15/2). Held up behind the leaders, Born Braver was pushed along from the third-last but made good headway to lead entering the home straight, eventually scoring by five lengths from Willie Mullins’ Uncle Pat . It was Cromwell’s third success in the prestigious race, having previously landed the 2022 and ‘23 renewals and while Donoghue was on board his 2023-winner Malinas Girl, finished second in last year’s renewal on this month’s Cheltenham festival winner Final Orders. Jockey Donoghue, who rode light at 11st 3lb today, quipped "somehow I got beaten on Final Orders in this race last year and I’ll need something to drink after this! “Born Braver jumped brilliantly, is a very laid-back horse and had a good run in Down Royal in February. He's a typical Court Cave (stallion) as he probably doesn't want good ground, he just wants a bit of an ease in it. He had perfect conditions today and the trip suited. “I had a good run around, had the perfect position and knew when I jumped the last and asked him, that he would respond. I just didn't want to get stuck into him too soon. “We had been hoping to scrape in at the bottom of the Irish National weights and while that didn't work out, thankfully he got this. It is a good pot up here and it is a great crowd.” Quotes from Michael Graham
