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Down Royal — Yesterday’s highlights and key moments
The card at Down Royal produced a string of decisive performances on good ground (described as Good, Good to firm in places; watered). Nicky Larson (16:30) and Rare Times (17:05) both justified short-priced support, while Mo Ghille Mar (17:37) and Teddy Jones (18:12) impressed with front-running rides. Reverend Hubert (18:47), Knocknagoran Lady (19:22) and Hutton Star (19:56) completed a solid evening of winners. There were a number of non-runners and problems relating to condition and suitability: Moon Aura was pulled up, Dairy Force fell, Bredas Pearl and Saoirses Choice both unseated, and several declared runners were withdrawn as unsuitable or unwell.
Key incidents to note: Dairy Force fell 2 out in the Golden Cow Handicap Hurdle, Moon Aura was pulled up early in the 3-y-o hurdle after running green, and a handful of horses were declared non-runners on veterinary/ground grounds. Overall the meeting favoured front-runners and horses who handled the quicker surface.
Latest winners
| Race | Winner | Odds | Trainer / Jockey | Margin / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:30 – Coca-Cola HBC Ireland And Northern Ireland 3-Y-O Hurdle | Nicky Larson | 8/13 | Paul Nolan / Sean Flanagan | Made virtually all; asserted towards finish. 1/2 length to Nod Of Approval. |
| 17:05 – Dale Farm Dromona Mares Maiden Hurdle | Rare Times | 6/5 | Ms Margaret Mullins / J J Slevin | Raced prominently, led after 3 out and kept on. 2 1/4 lengths to Jo’s Secret. |
| 17:37 – Golden Cow Handicap Hurdle | Mo Ghille Mar | 7/1 | John Joseph Hanlon / Harry Sexton | Made all and ridden out; unchallenged. 3 lengths to Whispering Willow. |
| 18:12 – Pepsico (Walkers Snacks) Maiden Hurdle | Teddy Jones | 7/1 | R P Cody / Josh Williamson | Headway to lead after the last and kept on well. 7 1/2 lengths to Seamy Appletart. |
| 18:47 – Denny Hurdle | Reverend Hubert | 9/4 | C Byrnes / Philip Byrnes | Smooth headway to lead before last; kept on. 3/4 length to Samui. |
| 19:22 – Tayto Group Limited Handicap Hurdle | Knocknagoran Lady | 8/1 | Cian Hughes / Conor Stone-Walsh | Travelled strongly and led late; kept on well. 2 3/4 lengths to Technology. |
| 19:56 – Hovis Ireland Mares INH Flat Race | Hutton Star | 13/2 | David Harry Kelly / Mr P A King | Headway to lead 1f out and kept on. 2 1/2 lengths to Hilly Filly. |
Other notes from the meeting
Non-runners and withdrawn horses included Churchfield Annie (coughing), Lips Freedom (temperature), Bruant (unsuitable ground), Thecompanysergeant and several others withdrawn on veterinary or ground suitability grounds. Dairy Force fell in the Golden Cow Handicap Hurdle and was unable to complete. There were also a couple of unseats (Bredas Pearl and Saoirses Choice). Connections reported Moon Aura ran very green before being pulled up.
Overall, jockeys who were able to dictate or race prominently had the edge on the quicker surface, and the meeting offered a useful set of form lines for trainers to work from heading into the coming weeks.
Down Royal Tips and Today’s Races
Every Down Royal meeting is covered by GG with full race form including racing colours, draw, trainer and jockey stats. GG also provides free tips with all UK and Ireland racecards plus the latest live odds. Our Tip is highlighted on the racecard and you can access the horse’s recent form and analysis by clicking the “Form & Verdict” tab. Our Racing Editor also picks a free daily NAP, Double, Treble, Lucky 15 and best outsider. We also publish the selections of the leading newspaper tipsters.
Down Royal Race Results
Down Royal is one of just two turf tracks in Northern Ireland along with Downpatrick. It plays host to the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing in November which features the Grade 1 Champion Chase. They also race on the flat here in the summer where the June meeting features the Ulster Derby and Ulster Oaks. There are popular evening meetings at Down Royal and a Boxing Day card.
The three-mile Champion Chase was first run in 1999 and was awarded Grade 1 status in 2002. Famous winners include Florida Pearl (1999), Looks Like Trouble (2000), Beef Or Salmon (2004, 2005) and Kauto Star (2008). The course also stages the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle and the Grade 2 Skymas Chase at the November meeting. The WKD Hurdle was promoted to Grade 2 status in 2010 and past winners include Mac’s Joy (2004) and Jezki (2013). The Skymas Hurdle is has been won by the likes of Moscow Flyer (2002) and Don Cossack (2014).
GG publish Down Royal race results within moments of the weigh in being confirmed. The winner, placed horses and SP returns are displayed as soon as possible on Today’s Results & Racecards page. You can also search previous results from the calendar tab beneath the page title.
Racecourse Guide
Established in 1789, this Grade 1 track has seen many champions pass through its gates and remains the “jewel of the North” in Irish racing. A right-handed, undulating course which could be described as “galloping” given it is just short of two miles in circumference, Down Royal presents a true test of a horse’s ability.
The chase course is on the outside of the hurdles track and is very fair with an uphill finish and a short run-in. Hurdles races have a slightly longer run-in and jockeys often take their horses wide here in search of better ground. There is a chute for five furlong sprint races on the flat but horses still race on the turn until the final furlong.
Dining, Hospitality & Facilities
The Shortcross Gin Suite is on the ground floor of the hospitality pavilion overlooking the racecourse. It has its own private balcony and a glass front for clear views across the track. The Pravha Suite is on the top floor and overlooks the parade ring while the exclusive Moscow Flyer Suite is on the first floor of the main grandstand. Corporate Box Hire can cater for up to 16 guests. All hospitality suites have their own private bar facilities and there are various eateries around the course to suit every budget.
Down Royal is near Lisburn in Northern Ireland, approximately 25 minutes by car or taxi from Belfast City centre. The nearest railway station is at Lisburn, 10 minutes from the racecourse.
Tickets
You can book your Down Royal tickets in advance online. There is a £5 discount for senior citizens on general admission. Please enquire for discounts if booking for large groups. You can also reserve your Trackside Marquee Racing Lounge ticket or two-course Premium Hospitality.
The Effect of the Draw
A low draw is an advantage at Down Royal in sprint races. The track favours front-runners and fast starters are very difficult to peg back.
Contact and Location
Down Royal Racecourse, Gravelhill Rd, Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 5RW. Northern Ireland.
Official Website: https://downroyal.com/