RACING: Michael Halford is enjoying his best ever year and the Curragh trainer moved onto a personal record tally of 42 Flat winners when doubling up with Dow Jones and Harcas at Downpatrick yesterday.
Dow Jones, a second success for claimer Jerry O'Dwyer since returning from a spell with Clive Brittain, made all in the Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap. The dual purpose gelding stretched clear before the home bend to beat the staying on Tariana by a comfortable 3½ lengths and will continue to mix it (Flat and hurdles) while the ground is good.
Emmet Butterly (17) has set the apprentice ranks alight in the past few months, and recorded his 10th win on the well-backed Harcas in the 1m 5f handicap. The Priolo colt, 11 to 2 in the morning and backed down to 3 to 1 favourite, got on top in the straight to beat long-time leader Luxi River by 3½ lengths.
Halford, whose partner Louise Boswell gave birth to a son (Joshua) last week, said: "This horse stays well and we'll find another handicap for him."
Ruby Walsh continued his relentless pace in pursuit of another jump jockeys' title with another double aboard Dan The Liberator and Madam Leader to move onto the 48-winner mark.
Dan The Liberator, well supported from evens down to 4 to 6 in the opening maiden hurdle, recorded a comfortable success, going clear two out to beat Monsignor Phil by 13 lengths.
Madam Leader, whose Demure syndicate members - including RTÉ presenter Colm Murray - arrived at the track by helicopter, made all in the mares maiden hurdle.
Willie Mullins's charge jumped out left throughout but found plenty on the run-in for Walsh to score by four lengths.
Pat Smullen was seen at his strongest when going one ahead (59-58) of the sidelined Fran Berry in the Flat jockeys' title race on Proper Article in the 1m 4f handicap. The Definite Article gelding, sporting the famous Vinnie Roe colours of film producer Jim Sheridan, made most and held on by ¾ lengths from Sativa.
Glorious Moments enjoyed a runaway success in the lady riders' bumper under Nina Carberry.
