Spreeksteen claims bumper as Duff says goodbye

Spreeksteen claimed the concluding bumper at Downpatrick which was ran in honour of retiring racecourse manager Iain Duff.

Katie Walsh hit the front at halfway on the gelding and he stuck on gamely in the closing stages.

James Leavy 's charge recorded a three-and-a-half length success over the staying on Shabra Charity 4/5 favourite Cnoc Seoda was only fourth.

Iain Duff, manager of the course for 26 years, had his last day in charge of the northern track.

Duff has presided over a period which has seen the transformation of the track, including a new weighroom, grandstand, stables, hospitality suite and medical centre.

Richard Lyttle, former manager of Navan racecourse, will take over the reins for the next meeting on on July 13th.