A raw winter edge hung over Down Royal on Tuesday afternoon as Molson Coors Race Day unfolded into a stern test of stamina, balance, and resolve. Across seven races run between 12:50pm and 3:50pm, the track demanded accuracy and toughness, rewarding horses and riders prepared to grind rather than glide. At the heart of the card stood the €20,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase, where Anotherway emerged as the defining performance of the day, setting the tone for an afternoon shaped by resilience and well-judged rides.
The meeting opened with the Race 1 – Molson Coors Beverage Company Maiden Hurdle, where Green Hope stamped his authority early. The five-year-old bay gelding, partnered confidently by Danny Mullins, travelled with purpose before asserting late to score in 4m 27.40s. Trained by W R Crawford and racing for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Green Hope held Star Of The Week at bay, with Boedic staying on for third in a contest that set a competitive early rhythm.
Momentum carried into Race 2 – Franciscan Well Rated Novice Hurdle, as Jony R delivered a composed and efficient success. J J Slevin guided the seven-year-old bay gelding into contention before pressing on decisively, stopping the clock at 4m 30.00s. Trained by S R B Crawford for owner Miss E Hamilton, Jony R proved too strong for Night Moon, with Youlita filling third.
The mares took centre stage in Race 3 – Coors Mares Handicap Hurdle, where experience told. Missus Beeton, an eight-year-old bay mare trained by J P Dempsey, responded gamely under Keith Donoghue to edge clear in 4m 33.90s. Mi Lucky Cailin gave chase without ever quite landing a blow, while Catchabird stayed on honestly for third.
Tactical riding came to the fore in Race 4 – Pravha Handicap Hurdle, as Verbal Sparring produced a determined front-running display. Carl Millar judged the fractions well aboard the D McDonogh-trained gelding, who dug deep to prevail in 4m 39.50s, fending off Gamigin, with Aswellasabentley completing the frame.
The afternoon’s focal point arrived with Race 5 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase, and it belonged unmistakably to Anotherway. J J Slevin delivered a polished ride, allowing the seven-year-old bay gelding to jump fluently before stretching clear late to score in 4m 22.70s. Trained by T Gibney and owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, Anotherway outclassed He’s Gorgeous, with Sky Lord finishing third, confirming his promise in emphatic fashion.
Staying power defined Race 6 – Aspall Handicap Chase, where Shanroe Act ground out a hard-earned victory. Daniel King kept the eight-year-old chestnut gelding in a steady rhythm, and under pressure late, he responded generously to score in 5m 38.60s for trainer K Thornton. Luimneach chased on gamely, ahead of Royal Time.
The card closed with a searching examination in Race 7 – William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Chase. Lucky Lyreen proved equal to the task, with Jack Kennedy delivering a confident, patient ride. The eight-year-old bay gelding, trained by G Elliott for the Lyreen Syndicate, powered clear to land the finale in 6m 39.00s, leaving Born Braver second and Al Kalila third.
As the light faded, Down Royal Race Results 20 January delivered exactly what midwinter National Hunt racing promises: honest contests, testing ground, and performances shaped by grit rather than gloss, with Anotherway standing tall as the day’s standout.
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