THERE were two locally-trained winners at Downpatrick last Sunday, the most notable being Augusta George who bridged a 51-year gap for Doagh trainer Billy Bryson when landing the Killultagh Estates INH Flat Race under Neil Gault.

The Malinas gelding, a €5,500 purchase as a yearling at the 2019 Tattersalls Ireland November Sale, ran in the colours of the trainer’s brother John who was in the saddle when Billy saddled Viking Cove to win a bumper at the same track back in 1973.

Celebrations were put on hold temporarily on Sunday as Augusta George first had to survive a stewards’ enquiry into possible interference in the home straight between himself and Dramatic License.

The runner-up is trained by Stuart Crawford who, earlier in the afternoon, sent out the same owners, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s Step Out to win the two-mile, six-furlong Randox Maiden Hurdle. Ridden by J.J. Slevin, the 2/1 shot beat the 11/8 favourite, Intense Approach, by one and three-parts of a length.

The two handicap hurdles on the card were sponsored by Shortcross Gin and Shortcross Irish Whiskey while the two-mile, two-furlong Congratulations To Pinkerton On Winning The Tote Galway Plate Rated Hurdle, which was won by Templepatrick jockey Sam Ewing on the Gordon Elliott-trained Mordor, celebrated the success of local owner Philip Polly at Ballybrit last month.

Racing returns to Downpatrick on Bank Monday, August 26th, when it’s Ladies Day.

THREE of the 17 entries in today’s Irish Thoroughbred Marketing racehorse to riding horse class at the Dublin Horse Show are of particular local interest.

Raholp native Seainin Mahon has again entered General Principle, Suzy Barkley rides Monkfish who ran at the Punchestown Festival in May for the Willie Mullins yard, while Rachel Moore partners the Amanda Torrens-owned, Jimmy Larkin-bred Gold Bullet.

FROM champion hunters to happy hackers, there is a class for all horses and ponies at the Saintfield Horse Show which takes place next Saturday, August 24th, at Andrew and Laura Napier’s Hazeldene Farm, Ballynahinch

The highlight of this year’s show is sure to be the return of the Celebrity Challenge which is scheduled to start at 1pm and will be compered by none other than Pamela Ballantine.

At time of writing, the line-up comprised Noel McParlan, Barney Jones, Declan Lavery, Ian Wilson, Rev Colin Hall-Thompson, Gary Lowry, Ken Dickson, Bree Rutledge, Nat Wilton, Philip Jones and Craig Kileff.

Pamela will interview each rider as they enter the arena, after which they will tackle a course of natural fences. There will be prizes for the best performance, the best fancy dress, the most entertaining round and the most stylish rider.

Those charged with judging the special awards are Colin McBratney, Alan Buchanan and Robert Steele.

The trio probably just signed up for the Celebrity Challenge so don’t expect to see them judging the Saintfield Horse Show Has Got Talent competition or the dog show. Every pound raised at the show will go towards bringing The I Am Family Children’s Choir over from Uganda next year to sing at the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride.

ANYONE with a passion for horses who is awaiting examination results should check out the array of specialist equine courses being offered at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

Whether it’s full-time, part-time, short or online courses, CAFRE has qualifications starting this September from Level 2 (equivalent to Level 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland [NQF IE]) to Honours Degree (equivalent to Level 8 on the NQF IE).

After Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications, CAFRE provides a variety of courses, accredited by Ulster University. If you are looking for flexibility, you could study online over two years, part-time to attain a Certificate in Equine Science and Management.

If full-time study suits you, CAFRE offers a Foundation Degree and BSc (Honours) Degree in Equine Management.

The Foundation Degree is delivered over two years at Enniskillen Campus and incorporates a period of work placement in the equine sector. On graduating from the course, students can opt to enter employment or progress on to the BSc (Honours) Degree course.

That Honours Degree involves three years of study at Enniskillen Campus. Students can opt to complete a year’s work placement, taking four years to complete the qualification. They develop their knowledge in a range of areas, for example equine care, racing, equitation, breeding, equine science and business management.

Connect with the industry

Degree students gain invaluable experience to connect with the industry, with the opportunity to apply for bursaries, scholarships and internships helping progress their careers in equine management.

Equine Higher Level full-time courses are still open for applications through UCAS Clearing. For those considering the online, part-time Certificate in Higher Education programme applications are made through www.cafre.ac.uk

Students who have completed Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications can apply to Level 2 (NQF IE Level 4 equivalent) or Level 3 (NQF IE Level 5 equivalent). Full-time courses incorporate work placements, allowing students to enhance their expertise and understanding of the equine sector.

Additionally, CAFRE offers work-based apprenticeship training courses for those employed in an equine business in Northern Ireland, working a minimum of 21 hours per week. For more information on Further Education courses and to apply please visit www.cafre.ac.uk

If you haven’t already applied to study at CAFRE this September, you still have a chance by visiting Enniskillen Campus.

CAFRE staff will be available on exam results days. Stop by between 11.00am and 2.00pm with a copy of your Leaving Certificate or Equivalent results to meet the teams and explore if a course at CAFRE is right for you.

SADLY, we must mention another death this week and, again, it’s someone who in recent years has been mainly involved in eventing, Rosemary Lowry, who, as Rosemary McVeigh was a very stylish and successful rider on the local point-to-point scene. To her family, and many friends, we send our deepest sympathies.