First time winners proved the order of the day at Downpatrick, where amateurs Andrew Lynch and Mick Bates, along with claimer Tom Malone, all recorded their initial success in the saddle.
Andrew Lynch (17), son of former rider Sean, partnered his first winner aboard Tristernagh in the amateur riders Irish Field Novice Hurdle. Lynch, who has already notched up two point-to-point winners this year and regularly rides out for successful trainer Al O'Connell, sent the six-year-old gelding to the front before two out and stayed on well to beat Mayoun by two-and-a-half-lengths.
Mick Bates entered the winners enclosure for the first time when the Eoin Griffin-trained Dr Whack showed much improved form to take division one of the Willie Polly Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Bates (19), from Kilmore in Co. Wexford said, 'I have been riding out for Eoin since Christmas, and hopefully this win can give me a kick start.'
Tom Malone also recorded his first win under rules when Little Ora landed division two of the handicap hurdle. Malone (20), who was the champion pony rider in Ulster last year and heads soon to join the Philip Hobbs yard in England, had Little Ora in front from half-way to beat Knockatotaun by two lengths. 'I'm thrilled to bits for Tom,' said trainer Philip Rothwell, who added, 'Little Ora will go for a similar race at Wexford in a fortnight.'
Victor Bowens saddled his first winner for 11 months when The Cute Won made all under a well judged ride from Fran Berry, staying on strongly up the final climb to the line to beat Octomone by five-and-a-half-lengths. 'He will keep going in handicaps over a-mile-and-three-quarters, and then head for the Galway Festival,' said Bowens.
High Prospect readily justified evens favouritism in the opening William Is 40 Maiden Hurdle, striking the front on the long run to the final flight for Steven Curtis to beat Confey Lass by a comfortable four lengths.
Winning trainer Pat Hughes is currently in France looking at horses, and his brother Seamus indicated that the son of Lycius could bid for a quick follow up in a handicap hurdle at Roscommon.
Alan Magee
