The scenic DOWNPATRICK RACECOURSE in Northern Ireland hosted its next-to-last jumps meeting of the 2025 season on September 19, with seven engaging contests staged between 2:11 pm and 5:35 pm. A blend of hurdles and steeplechases gave returning favourites and new contenders their chance to shine, with the rolling autumn hills providing a fitting backdrop. The sense of anticipation ahead of next month’s finale added extra excitement, as fans were treated to an afternoon of spirited competition.
Race 1: Randox Maiden Hurdle (2:11pm, 2m1f165y)
The maiden opener set the tone as HIGH COURT CAVE delivered a strong performance to score in 4m 22.60s. Jockey MR O MCGILL kept a cool hand, trainer NOEL C KELLY had the runner well-prepared, and breeder BARRY MOORHEAD with owner VICTOR MCCREA could celebrate an ideal start. SEA EAGLE chased hard to the line, while OCTOBER HILL kept on for a determined third.
Race 2: MB McGrady And Co Chartered Accountants Handicap Hurdle (2:46pm, 2m1f165y)
The second race brought more cheer for the crowd as ARCLAND stayed on powerfully to win in 4m 21.00s. Jockey EOIN STAPLES judged the ride beautifully, trainer GAVIN CROMWELL had the tactics right, with breeder and owner E BLANEY shared in the result. HALF A CHANCE pressed strongly throughout, while MUST MEET CECIL gave a gritty effort in third.
Race 3: Tennents NI Handicap Hurdle (3:21pm, 2m1f165y)
In the third contest, TIR OG showed stamina to handle the jumps and ground, crossing the post in 5m 22.50s. Jockey CALUM HOGAN held composure, trainer E SEYMOUR’S conditioning paid off, and breeder JOHN MOYLAN & SEAMUS FINN with owner KEEPTHEHIGHBALLSLOW SYNDICATE were well rewarded. CENTAQ tried gamely in pursuit, and YOU MAKE ME SMILE battled well to complete the placings.
Race 4: Charles And Kathleen Caldwell Memorial Rated Novice Hurdle (3:56pm, 2m5f110y)
Race four produced one of the day’s highlights as SPORTING GLANCE charged home in 5m 34.50s. Jockey EOIN STAPLES gave a polished ride, trainer CIAN COLLINS had the runner tuned to perfection, and breeder MME SARAH FAULKS & MR NIGEL FAULKS with owner KEVIN MCCONNELL enjoyed the success. PENNY PERFECT put up a valiant chase, with BOSTON RAJJ running bravely for third.
Race 5: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (4:26pm, 2m1f165y)
The fifth race saw MICKEY COHEN come out on top in 4m 34.90s, showing resilience over the obstacles. Jockey DONAGH MEYLER kept the mount balanced, trainer NOEL MEADE placed it shrewdly, and breeder COLM GRIFFIN with owner NOEL MEADE RACING LTD celebrated the effort. FIGUREHEAD kept within striking distance, while QUARRY TIEPY held on for a determined finish.
Race 6: Peter Fitzpatrick & Sons Estate Agents And Chartered Surveyors Handicap Chase (5:01pm, 2m7f110y)
In the penultimate contest, SOLLY ATTWELL handled the jumps with assurance, taking victory in 6m 16.20s. Jockey JORDAN GAINFORD guided with confidence, trainer CIAN COLLINS had the horse in peak order, and breeder NOEL COLLINS with owner DEL BOY PARTNERSHIP enjoyed the moment. MIDNIGHT MOONSHINE gave a game effort, while TELL NOBODY NOTHIN stayed on gamely for third.
Race 7: J Murdoch Contracts INH Flat Race (5:35pm, 2m1f165y)
The finale wrapped the afternoon on a high as MOJA DAMA crossed the line first in 4m 28.80s. Jockey MR P W MULLINS judged the race perfectly, trainer W P MULLINS had prepared with care, and breeder E A R L HARAS DU QUESNAY with owner BRENDAN T O’SULLIVAN shared in the closing victory. BELLS GROVE made a strong challenge, while MINELLA JURY secured a hard-fought third to close the card.
The season’s closing stretch at Downpatrick delivered exactly what fans hoped for: competitive fields, honest performances, and a warm atmosphere that underlined the course’s charm. With the season finale still to come in October, this September afternoon will be remembered as the perfect lead-in to the grand closing chapter.
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