McDonagh caps great week with Ulster National win

Mark McDonagh rounded off a terrific week in style when Spades Are Trumps cruised to success in the Randox Ulster National at Downpatrick this afternoon.

There was plenty of drama early on in the marathon contest with the field losing six runners after the first two fences.

McDonagh gave the JP McManus-owned Spades Are Trumps a confident ride, producing him to lead jumping the last fence.

Gavin Cromwell 's charge didn't need to be asked any serious questions as he went on to post a six-length success without coming off the bridle.

The 5/1 winner was stepping up again in trip having been a staying on fifth in a rated novice chase at Fairyhouse in January. He had pulled up when sent off favourite for the Cork National in October.

The winning jockey was capping a great few days having landed the final race of the Cheltenham festival aboard Banbridge, for Joseph O'Brien, on Friday and he said afterward:-

"A great week. I want to thank everyone for giving me opportunities, but for them I wouldn't be here.

"He just took to the course, he travelled well and enjoyed being in and out.

"A lot of horses fell in the race, there was a lot of misery. I'm sure if everybody stood up it could have been different."

And on Cheltenham, he added: "It was great, Joseph O'Brien has been good to me. I've been with him since January. The experience I am getting in the yard and office is great. To get opportunities on top of that is a bonus."

On passing the post on Banbridge, he added: "There is not a single word that describes it. I've heard people call things indescribable and now it makes sense."

Envoi Pierji unseated at the first after getting hampered while Portstorm and Southerner fell at the rear.

At the second fence Thunderosa was very slow, jumped left and brought down Conquerdalofeurope, who had nowhere to land, while also unseating his own rider. Torygraph was subsequently badly hampered and unseated his rider.

(Quotes by Michael Graham)