THERE may have been ever-so-slight a chance of a bit of balance being re-established in the McNally household on Monday evening as Ronan followed up son Kian’s weekend six-timer by sending out the Keith Donoghue-partnered Petrol Head to win the near two-mile handicap hurdle at Roscommon.

However, as it was Kian who led the 2016 Valirann gelding back in and it was to that more than capable young man that the winner’s trophy was later presented, it seems certain that the bragging rights also stayed with him!

Well-supported

This was a second victory over hurdles for Petrol Head since he moved north from owner/trainer David Dunne’s Garristown yard to McNally’s Armagh base from where he now also runs in his handler’s colours. The bay was well-supported in the market to double his career tally on Monday as his two-and-three-quarter-length success came as the 7/4 favourite.

As he was racing on Monday, there wasn’t much time for Ronan and his wife Sheena to relax following their involvement with the very successful two-day horse and pony racing fixture at Moira where Sheena’s amazing mare, Five Stone Of Lead, was partnered by Kian to win the one-mile Derby on Saturday and over 10 furlongs on Sunday.

WE had a final look at the activities on offer at next Wednesday’s Family Fun Raceday at Downpatrick and it’s great to see the array of companies and individuals who have joined forces with the track as sponsors.

Goodie bag

Title sponsor CosyRoof is sponsoring the free goodie bag being presented to young racegoers at the turnstiles as long as stocks last, W&C Glazing is sponsoring the Horse Hopper Race, Race Displays has their name attached to the Alpaca Walk, the team from Tullyraine Equine Clinic will be dispensing their knowledge at the Horse Education Centre and Co Meath trainer Gordon Elliott is sponsoring both the Kids Down Derby and the Stable Selfie Station.