Downpatrick Results Sun, 29th Mar, 2026

See also » German Derby also-ran lands Downpatrick gamble
I suppose the ground has been against him over hurdles, he was keen and took a few runs to get going and just settle. I think he was getting his tongue over the bit, so it wasn't the case that he was nervous and I had the tongue-tie on him but he has no wind problems. I know this track well and had a good mare, Hidden Land, who was keen and here suits those type of horses. You can let them roll and they get a breather up the hill. Hopefully, he will show his potential as he had good form in Germany and actually finished seventh in a German Derby (of 20 runners in 2023). He is just a work in progress and, on better ground he can mix it between Flat and hurdles. He had run in a couple of schooling races and we were hoping that the track and better ground could bring out improvement. Donagh gave him a lovely ride and it worked out. Hopefully, he can be a nice horse who can progress and he could be competitive in some of those nice (Flat) handicaps, so we could bring to England. We wanted to get that winner on the board because we weren't busy last winter. Andrew Kinirons, trainer

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Andrew Kinirons, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Lips Freedom (GER), placed first, as compared with its recent form. Andrew Kinirons reported that the change of tactics today on a different track combined with the better ground and the application of a first time tongue strap may have contributed to the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given

The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. L. Wyer, that D.J Gilligan, rider of Blue Reed (FR), had weighed in at 1.4lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his gloves were wet and his goggles had kickback on them. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D.J. Gilligan was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his clean record in this regard, they cautioned him on this occasion.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (110 = 11st 12lbs)
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.