DOWNPATRICK RACECOURSE, nestled in Northern Ireland, stages its penultimate jumps meeting of the 2025 season on 19 September, offering a warm and competitive afternoon with seven quality races from 2:11 PM to 5:35 PM. The card mixes hurdles and steeplechases, with familiar faces returning to test their form before the season’s finale in October. The autumn atmosphere, rolling hills, and a sense of season-end anticipation make this a day that racing fans circle on their calendar.
Race 1: Randox Maiden Hurdle (2:11pm, 2m1f165y)
The afternoon opens with a lively maiden hurdle featuring horses aged 4 and over, where HIGH COURT CAVE, SEA EAGLE and SCARY ASKARI will try to stamp authority early, and TUDORISTA, OWL’S DELIGHT, IMPERIAL MISS and dozen others could swoop late to make the perfect start to the card. Whoever crosses the line first will finally shed their maiden tag — always a satisfying milestone that could mark the start of a bright career. Winner’s gain: €5,900
Race 2: MB McGrady And Co Chartered Accountants Handicap Hurdle (2:46pm, 2m1f165y)
The second race promises a genuine contest, with horses aged 4 and over like PURSE PRICE, MIC DROP, HALF A CHANCE and ARCLAND looking to maintain consistency and MUST MEET CECIL, WAJAAHA, NO MORE SILVER and MONTY’S WAY capable of producing a strong staying run over the final flight. Winner’s gain: €6,785
Race 3: Tennents NI Handicap Hurdle (3:21pm, 2m1f165y)
At this point, the competition deepens with the horses aged 4 and over stealing the limelight. RODNEY BAY, CHASING CROWNS and SILENT DAWN might go forward and try to dominate, but KING BOB, BOSTON BONGO and MARVELLOUS MARGO could deliver a perfectly-timed challenge that tests both stamina and jumping precision. Winner’s gain: €5,900
Race 4: Charles And Kathleen Caldwell Memorial Rated Novice Hurdle (3:56pm, 2m5f110y)
Mid-card action brings a competitive obstacle, where bold jumps from BOSTON RAJJ, FACEMAN and OUR ZEBO could decide matters early, though PENNY PERFECT, SPORTING GLANCE and FOLLOWING ORDERS may strike with a late surge if they stay out of trouble. Winner’s gain: €8,555
Race 5: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (4:26pm, 2m1f165y)
The fifth sees more seasoned chasers in action, and DRISCOLLS HILL, NAVY GUITAR and ANGELSWORKNOVRTIME will likely make a strong bid from the front, while LIGHTNING LEGS, STRETCHEMOUT and QUARRY TIEPY might come with a determined effort on the run-in to shake up the finish. Winner’s gain: €8,850
Race 6: Peter Fitzpatrick & Sons Estate Agents And Chartered Surveyors Handicap Chase (5:01pm, 2m7f110y)
Penultimate race drama builds as 5-yr-olds and upwards take the centre stage. FLASH COLLONGES, TANGO THEATRE and MIDNIGHT MOONSHINE aim to end their season on a winning note, though PORTARLINGTON, TELL NOBODY NOTHIN and JUMPING SUSIE could have other plans, setting up an exciting clash before the closer. Winner’s gain: €6,785
Race 7: J Murdoch Contracts INH Flat Race (5:35pm, 2m1f165y)
The curtain falls on Downpatrick’s penultimate meeting with DESERTMORE CHARM, BARRYS SPIRIT and LOUGHDOO hoping to seal victory, while TROPICAL TWIST, DOUBLE ORDER and BELLS GROVE may leave fans with one last big finish before the season’s finale. Winner’s gain: €5,900
Downpatrick never fails to deliver late-season theatre, and this penultimate meeting was a perfect reminder. Every jump, every tight finish builds anticipation for the grand finale in October, leaving racing fans with plenty to talk about as they look ahead to the season-ender.
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