Peter Kavanagh had many memorable days in his riding career on the likes of Redundant Pal and Boro Quarter. However his first victory in the training ranks at Downpatrick this afternoon, with the well-backed Town Pond (9s into 6s on track) in the 'Ulsters Real McCoy' Handicap Chase, will likely rank well up there.

This was a noteworthy victory for another reason too, as Town Pond was ridden by Ger Fox, and he got the Beneficial gelding up to beat his twin brother Anthony on the favourite, Ardmillan by a neck.

Owner Martin Walsh disclosed: "We came up from Kilkenny. I have a pub in Thomastown-The Salmon Pool. We were confident as Peter (Kavanagh) said he wanted to have him in this race as the trip and ground would suit.

"He needs good ground, his dam won on good ground. He stayed on stoutly up the hill and Ger gave him a lovely ride. We'll keep him going over the summer. He could come back here."

Kavanagh himself was for a long time synonymous with the Noel Meade set-up, work-rider on the likes of Harchibald. Like the owner he is also a Kilkenny native but trains at Neilstown Stud in County Meath, ably assisted by his wife Mary and daughter Annie. (MG & EM)