Mikey Fogarty rode for the first-time, and a tongue-strap was deployed for the initial occasion, as Gold Patrol bounced back to something approaching his best to lead home a one/two for Colin Bowe in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Downpatrick.

Gold Patrol erased the memory of some disappointing efforts to defeat his shorter-priced stable companion Don Vincenzo by a length and a quarter.

Richard Nolan is a Wexford-based member of the successful Mountfinn Racing Partnership.

He was represented by his brother-in-law Padraig Byrne who said: "Better ground is the key to him. He jinked (and unseated rider) when going to win in Wexford. He was then pulled up on bad ground on his last two runs. It was Colin's idea to bring him here."

The Stewards requested a report from Colin Bowe, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Gold Patrol, placed first, as compared with its recent form at Listowel and Ballinrobe.

Diarmaid Swan, Authorised representative of Colin Bowe, reported that the soft to heavy going at both Ballinrobe and Listowel did not suit this gelding and furthermore the application of a tongue strap today would be a contributing factor to the improved performance.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(MG & EM)