Two in a row for Finnians at Downpatrick Dermot McLoughlin completed a quick double when the Liam McKenna-ridden Finnians Row took the Join Racing TV Now Handicap Chase at Downpatrick this afternoon. On the mark 35 minutes earlier with Joya Del Mar, McLoughlin followed up when the 5/1 chance made much of the running to score, just as he had done when winning over the same course and distance early last month. This time, the Anne McCartan and Frances Smyth-owned 10-year-old came home four and a half lengths clear of the Arthur Moore-trained 25/1 shot Ringdufferin to record his fifth career success and his third at Downpatrick. McLoughlin said: “He won here the last day, same with the mare (Joya Del Mar), and they seem to like it around here. “Once he gets his head in front, he seems to enjoy it. That's a big help when you enjoy the place, he seems to like the hills. “I fancied him today, so it was great. “Maybe so (build upon that elsewhere), but they all love running in Downpatrick! “It is great for the two ladies that own him and stuck by him. He had a few stinking runs, but he seems to be back in form. “We'll see what the handicapper does, but we'll keep him going. I knew coming here he was in good nick, though.” Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
