THE Ian Donoghue-trained Dunboyne battled back bravely on the run-in to land the featured Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase at Downpatrick on Sunday.

Headed after the last, the James Smith partnered 15/2 chance found extra on the stiff uphill climb to get back up to beat Final Orders half-a-length.

Donoghue said: “Going out on the last lap, I was very confident. It was a long way to go, but his ears were pricked, he was happy and popping away. We have bought plenty of cheap ones and low-grade ones, and a change of scenery has improved them.

“Ross (Donoghue, brother) can take all the credit really - we call him ‘the head lad’. He is the boss. James comes into us plenty and is best friends with Ross, the two of them get into plenty of trouble together!

“In my eyes, bar Danny Gilligan, he is the best conditional in the country. He has such a good brain and he doesn’t panic. I have to thank Stephen O’Connor, the owner. I’ve been at him a while to send me this horse. At last he did and it has worked out, thank God.”

Donoghue double

Narrowly denied in the feature, jockey Keith Donoghue went on to complete a double on the card. Seskin Flash initiated the brace when readily landing the Billie And Bertie FitzGerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

Sent off 5/2 favourite, the Tinnahinch Construction Limited-owned gelding had seven and a half lengths in hand at the finish.

Winning trainer Philip Dempsey said: “He had a nice run in Naas and I’d say he built on it over the extra trip. The hood went on and, watching it down, I’ll probably leave it off now.

“It just took him a while to get into the bridle. He can be free at home and that. We might run him again Thursday in Naas because he will probably get a hike for that. We’ll see how he is.”

Donoghue completed his double aboard Ballysax Hank in the Caherty Stables Beginners Chase. Carrying the colours of Paul Byrne, the 11/2 chance was always travelled strongly before kicking clear for a comfortable one-and-a-quarter-length win.

Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “Good to get that after hitting the crossbar in the National. He jumped well and liked that nicer ground. We might find a handicap somewhere.”

PADDY Hanlon made all the running on A Mere Bagatelle to win the Grant Bros Developments Handicap Hurdle by eight and a half lengths. Trainer Shark Hanlon later reported of the 11/2 chance: “I thought Paddy was very good on him.

“When they were all thinking about it at the start, Paddy stole three or four lengths and that was the difference in winning and losing. The horse wants two and a half miles, and that was over two miles, one and a half.

“I was just afraid that he might get outpaced, but Paddy made it a good staying test the whole way. I’m delighted for Alan Cullen (owner) who is away on holidays at the moment.”

Made all

Lilian Bland also led from pillar to post when winning the Download The Tote App Mares Handicap Hurdle under Richie Deegan. Sent off 4/1, the Niall Hennessy-trained mare stayed on strongly to score by two and quarter lengths.

Hennessy, who was also the winning owner, said: “Some trek! It took us five hours. Richard Pugh said we left first and then we declared her! I said, knowing my luck, this will be the track she will like and I’ll be up and down for the summer.

“She is holding her form brilliantly through the year on heavy ground and quick ground. Richie gets on brilliantly with her. She is tough, tough, tough. At home she is the same way, you couldn’t give her enough work. She would be out in the field, kicking and bucking away to go again.”

Sharpe tips the balance in his favour

MICHAEL Sharpe justifiably earned the plaudits when guiding Asphalt Cowboy to a half-length win in the concluding Boardsmill Sires Maiden Hunters Chase. The Mary Kilduff owned seven-year-old looked in trouble when his saddle slipped after two out but Sharpe worked miracles to get the 4/1 chance home in front of stable companion and favourite Cause For Comment.

Trainer Sonny Carey said: “I thought Asphalt Cowboy might run well, he’d love it around here. He’s an old rogue but he has been a brilliant horse for us. We bought him last year and that is his third win for us. We bought him for Michael to ride. He works for me and has been with me since he was 12. He’s a brilliant little rider. He came to the yard one day and never left! When he goes somewhere proper next year, he will fly.”

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend won the opening Pro Solar NI Maiden Hurdle with Toad Hall. Sent off 4/7 favourite, the Malcolm Denmark owned eight-year-old led at the last, before going clear for an easy 10-length success.

Mullins later reported: “It is not before his time to win. It has just been niggles here and there, nothing major, but that’s the way with horses. I think this fella will have one more run over hurdles possibly, and then in the new season head over fences. He looks a fine chasing-type.”