Downey lands first Navan win, kisses ground

Pat Downey was surely the only man kissing the ground at Navan today but the trainer had good reason, as his prolific winner Three Bells credited him with a first winner at his local track, in the Emerald Facility Services Event Cleaning Handicap.

Ridden by jockey Gary Carroll, the son of Moss Vale was today registered his sixth career win and a delighted Downey, a brother of IFA President Eddie Downey, later said "I've have seconds and thirds here but that's my first winner at Navan, which is my local track. I've just kissed the ground as I've always said I do it when I got a winner here!

He added "he just keeps improving and is as honest as the day is long.

"He got left at the start the last time he was here and still finished second and I really fancied him today, as this course suits and the trip is ideal.

"We'll go to Listowel now as the boys (Bells Syndicate) want a three-day holiday!"

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson