Dubeyeracingcraic makes virtually all in Downpatrick opener The well-supported Dubeyeracingcraic made virtually all to land the opener at Downpatrick this afternoon, the A J C Group Maiden Hurdle. Trained by Charles Byrnes and ridden by his son Philip, the Starspangledbanner four-year-old was available at 7/1 in early shows, before going off the 2/1 favourite in the colours of Patrick O'Shea. A well-beaten third on her debut over flights at Tramore, the chestnut victor led after the first and briefly veered left when pressed on the approach to the final flight. Quickly straightened up and ridden on the run-in, she kept on well in the closing stages, winning comfortably by two-lengths. On his hurdling debut, Kalanisi Flash (3/1) filled the runner-up spot under Simon Torrens for John McConnell, while Fathom Two (5/1) was a head away in third. "She just found them going a bit quick in Tramore the last day and she learned a lot from it, she was sharper today," the controversial winning handler remarked. "She was (game up the hill) and she had a look alright, but she won. "She is handicapped on the Flat, so she is a nice dual-purpose sort. "She is a half-sister to Sonnyboyliston (2021 Irish St Leger winner) and he'll be going jumping as well." When asked if this could be the start of a good day, he replied: "I'm happy enough to go home now!" STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fortuna Favente, trained by Barry Connell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. * M.J.M O'Sullivan, rider of Fortuna Favente, trained by Barry Connell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
