Bowden and O'Sullivan well pleased with Universal Focus and Lee

In much the same fashion as the previous heat, an ‘old’ favourite, Universal Focus took race six at Down Royal, the Racing TV Handicap (division one). Spruce Meadows triumphed in the 4.00, winning his sixth race on his 46th outing.

For another six-year-old, Universal Focus, this was four from forty two and he did it in style too, by six and a half lengths from Machiavelli

Billy Lee did the steering on Universal Focus for Ross O’Sullivan who said: "He picks up one every year and Billy (Lee) has ridden him the last three times and to be honest he gave him an absolute beauty of a ride.

"He's a horse that likes a little bit of cover and produced late. He gave him a peach of a ride.

"He's a model of consistency - that's his fourth win and I'd say he has been placed maybe 20 times.

"It's great to have him. John (Bowden) who has a couple of horses with me, is with me from the very start, and he is an owner that is very loyal. He loves going racing.

"It's my first winner in Down Royal.

"For those types of horses there's loads of options, he's actually handicapped over hurdles so he's a very versatile horse. I wouldn't rule out a run over hurdles somewhere along the way.

"The way he won today he might nab another little flat race.He might stay in the 65 bracket which would be his bracket."

N.M. Crosse, rider of Stander trained by Paul Stafford, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.

Keith Henry Clarke, trainer of Quite Subunctious reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge showed signs of being in season post race

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Stander, trained by Paul Stafford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(MG & EM)