IT’s always good to see the connection between hunting and racing being maintained and at Downpatrick on Sunday, the East Down hounds’ huntsman Declan Feeney and hononary whipper-in Brian Toner escorted Jack Kennedy and Poormans Hill back to the winner’s enclosure following their victory in the Toals Bookmakers Ulster National. Before racing, and following another appearance at the Co Down track by members of the Carryduff-based Ballycoan Pipe Band, Declan brought 19 and a half couple of hounds into the parade-ring, although the ‘half’ seemed to think that life would better outside the confines of the ring. Declan answered a lot of questions about hunting and hounds and took a bit of good natured ribbing as well.

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