Mullins newcomer wins Downpatrick’s opener for Nationals' sponsor Sent off Evens favourite, Robertjames was an appropriate winner of Downpatrick’s opening Tote Every Day's A Money Back Day Maiden Hurdle today, scoring under Paul Townend and in the colours of the day’s Ulster National-sponsor Dr Peter Fitzgerald’s Randox Health. By leading jumps stallion Saint Des Saints and making his debut, Robertjames belied a lack of experience when making all the running at the undulating course, stretching clear of his rivals to impressively beat runner-up Gunnery Sergeant by 16 lengths. Regarding the Willie Mullins-trained winner, champion jockey Townend said "Robertjames was good and he's a big staying chaser. He'd wing them (hurdles), but for one or two we got in tight. He overcame plenty, though, and it is hard coming here first time. He's inexperienced at the start and things like that, but I thought he was nice. "We'd get him settled and then come back down the hill again, so it is not an ideal place to bring one like him first time. "It is great for the owners who obviously sponsor the big race here, and I think he will be a nice staying chaser.” Randox Health also sponsor the upcoming Aintree Grand National Festival, from April 9—11. Quotes from Michael Graham
