MANY congratulations to former Navan and Downpatrick racecourse manager Richard Lyttle, who was awarded an MBE for services to horse racing in King Charles’s Birthday Honours List, which was published last Friday.

The Down Recorder had Richard at the top of their list of five locals who were honoured. ‘A Ballynahinch man, with a love and deep sense of respect for the world of equestrianism, has been awarded an MBE for his services to horse racing.

‘“Richard Lyttle said he is “very lucky and privileged” to have been included in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List. “This is a great honour and actually I do believe I am very lucky to have been nominated and subsequently selected. It’s a lovely honour, and I am trying to take this gently in my stride.”’

In addition to the racing world, others were delighted to congratulate Richard, including the team behind the Eikon Exhibition Centre.

‘This prestigious recognition is a fitting tribute to Richard’s outstanding contribution to horse racing over many decades. Widely respected throughout the industry, Richard is best known for his distinguished tenure as Manager of Downpatrick Racecourse, where his leadership, dedication and passion helped establish the venue as one of the most popular and successful racecourses on the island of Ireland.

‘Richard’s influence extends far beyond racecourse management. Throughout his career, he has been a tireless advocate for horse racing, championing the industry, supporting its development, and helping to ensure its continued success for future generations. His award recognises not only professional excellence, but also his unwavering commitment to a sport that is deeply woven into the fabric of local communities.

‘As a valued member of the King’s Hall Exhibition and Conference Centre (KHECC) Board - the organisation which oversees the Eikon Exhibition Centre - Richard brings the same vision, experience and dedication that have defined his remarkable career. His insight, leadership and enthusiasm continue to make a significant contribution to the organisation, and we are immensely proud of his achievement.’

FROM last Friday to Wednesday of this week, Dylan Browne McMonagle rode five winners, kicking off with a treble at Gowran Park on Friday, followed by a winner at Cork on Sunday and one at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

Two of his Gowran winners were trained by Joseph O’Brien, the odd one out being Andy Oliver’s charge Faro Island who, at odds of 13/2, landed the concluding extended nine-furlong handicap in the colours of James Nicholson.

Natalia Lupini provided the jockey with his winner at Cork, that being the three-year-old filly Xerling (Sioux Nation - Machree, by Lord Shanahill), who justified 4/5 favouritism by one and a half lengths for her Co Roscommon breeders, the Cooney family of Camogue Stud. Browne McMonagle’s Royal Ascot success came in the second race on Wednesday, the Queen’s Vase (Group 2) over a mile and six, which he won by a nose on the Joseph O’Brien-trained Limestone.

Good spell

Oisin Orr also enjoyed a good spell with a single win at Catterick last Thursday week, a double at Wolverhampton on Tuesday and a win at Hamilton the following afternoon. Darragh Keenan and Barry McHugh both rode two winners in the period under review, with a single success for Patsy Cosgrave.

At home, there were wins for Paddy McGettigan at Leopardstown last Thursday week and for Luke McAteer at Cork on Sunday.

Also at that Leopardstown meeting, the seven-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden was won on her third start by the chesnut three-year-old Cromac Quay (Night Of Thunder - Trethias, by Invincible Spirit), who Jessica Harrington trains for owner/breeders Stonethorn Stud Farm.

And again, we have to mention the Hugh Suffern-bred seven-year-old mare Beorma (Doyen - Mourneseafood Lass, by Generous), who won the opening two and a half mile novices’ handicap chase at Worcester on Thursday week last and, just over 24 hours later, the extended two-mile handicap chase at Newton Abbott. This latter success brought up a six-timer for the Dan Skelton-trained chesnut.

IF you can’t get to Downpatrick for a meeting, it’s great to scroll through the track’s social media photographs just to see who was there and from all walks of life - Peter Magill gets around, doesn’t he? Saturday’s race sponsors included Irish Stallion Farms, the Tote and Kevin Ross Bloodstock. Both Anna and Kevin Ross were on hand to present their trophy to John Carr, who trained the winner of the near three-mile handicap chase, the 13-year-old Yeats gelding Fr Gilligansvoyge.

The colours of the All Play & No Work Syndicate were carried to victory in the first division of the Denvir’s of Downpatrick (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle by the Noel Kelly-trained, Orán McGill-ridden joint top-weight Nakassama, the 11/10 favourite. McGill’s father Gary also rewarded favourite-backers when saddling the Gee Gee Syndicate’s Saunton Surf to oblige at odds of 11/8 in the C. (Ciaran to his friends) Russell Auto Sales Beginners Chase.

Two winners

Co Meath trainer Dermot McLoughlin saddled two winners. The first was the Pat Conway-bred eight-year-old mare Joya Del Mar (Ol’ Man River - Sand Reef, by Footstepsinthesand), who won the second division of that amateur hurdle. The second was the Liam McKenna-ridden Finnians Row, who landed the Join Racing TV Now With A Free Trial Handicap Chase in the colours of local owners, Anne McCartan and Frances Smyth.

The not-so-obvious local connection to Cozone, winner of the Randox Handicap Hurdle, was that the 3/1 favourite was led up by Erin Dunseath.

Things were a lot quieter locally on Sunday, when the list of sponsors included Adare Manor, Dunlop Homes and Cab Plant. The concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro-Am) Flat Race was won by the newcomer Irish Lace, who was ridden by Stephen Connor and trained by Stuart Crawford for Warren Ewing.

The four-year-old Crystal Ocean filly was issued with an East Antrim hunters’ certificate, but never got to run between the flags.

IT’s good to see Toni Quail back in the saddle competitively although, at present, one would have to be at a show jumping fixture or at one of the qualifiers for the young event horse or working hunter classes at the Dublin Horse Show to do so.