Monksfield’s trainer Des McDonogh took a trip down memory lane following the win of his Alterno in the Ulster Carpets Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick today, as the Jackie Bolger owned gelding defied top weight under jockey Davy Russell.

The son of Fastnet Rock went clear of his rivals in the home straight and afterwards McDonogh revealed “this is one of my favourite tracks from the very beginning when I was leading trainer here for two or three years in the 1970s.

“I also rode my first winner here, I won't say when but it was 1969 and I beat Richard Dunwoody's father in a hurdle, imagine! The horse duly knew more than I did and pulled up after the winning post and I fell off over his head!”

He added “he (Alterno) deserved that and has been running consistently despite the old trait of swishing his tail, but he didn't swish today.

"He travelled beautifully and Davy (Russell) said he handled it like a Ferrari!

“He gave him a great ride and it's brilliant as he has been knocking on the door. I'd say he'll jump a fence as he's a great jumper."

Quotes from Michael Graham