IT was a relatively quiet week win wise on the local jockey, trainer, owner and breeder front but there were a few victories to mention.

I have to start with Co Tyrone native, and CAFRE graduate, Anna McGuinness who has been one of the success stories of the early months of the new jumps season.

The 22-year-old rode the fifth winner of her career, and her third of the current campaign, when landing the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon on Monday when, on her only other ride of the evening, in the mares’ ladies’ bumper, she was second on Palpatate.

Her winner, the six-year-old Galileo gelding Vicar Street, is trained by Willie Mullins with whom Anna has been based for a year. She previously worked for James Lambe but moved south when he left for Australia. Her agent is Ken Whelan.

Home wins

At home on the flat there was a win for Paddy McGettigan at Bellewstown last Thursday week while Dylan Browne McMonagle landed a winner at both Tramore on Tuesday and at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.

On the level across the water, Oisin Orr was on the mark at Haydock last Thursday week, on the following day at Haydock and again at Ayr on Monday. Patsy Cosgrave visited the winner’s enclosure at Leicester on Saturday while National Hunt jockey Danny McMenamin did so at Maket Rasen on Sunday.

Also at Market Rasen there was a win for the Robert Kirkwood-bred nine-year-old gelding Pull Again Green (Kalanisi – Clogher Valley, by Oscar). The John and Margery Adams-bred four-year-old filly Straya (Australia – Gelenschik, by Dalakhani) won on Sunday at Ayr where the colours of Darrell Torrens were carried to victory in the opening amateur riders’ five-furlong handicap on Parisiac.

At Tramore on Tuesday, the concluding two-mile handicap was won by the Ivan and Eileen Heanen-bred 10-year-old gelding Mark Good (Fast Company – Rectify, by Mujadil).

We would like to say that the now 15-year-old Indian River gelding added to his wonderful record of 14 wins on the track which included the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

However, having topped the original line-up of the judges, the chesnut, who is out of the Be My Native mare Native Mo, was dropped to second behind Moon Over Claddagh, a seven-year-old Sea The Moon gelding who never worried the judge in five starts on the flat for Henry de Bromhead.

Native River is now being produced in Co Meath by Emily MacMahon into whose care he was moved by bloodstock agent Tom Malone a few weeks ago.

The 14-time winner was shown in England for the past two seasons by Emma Vine. In a way it was fortunate that he didn’t win on Saturday as the chesnut would have automatic entry into the racehorse to riding horse final at Dublin so he would have blocked a space from the Flavours of Fingal qualifier which was the last of six.

Double-jobbing

The 2018 BoyleSports Irish Grand National winner General Principle was double-jobbing on Saturday at Ardnacashel where the Seainin Mahon-ridden Gold Well gelding, who’s now 16 years of age, was third in his working hunter class then won his racehorse class and went champion.

At the opening one-day event of the Northern Region season at The Clare last Saturday, the Vina Buller-owned, Alfred Buller-bred Bestman Bryan recorded a very impressive victory under Connor McClory in the EI90. The unraced five-year-old Lauro gelding is out of the also unraced Desert King mare Dans Desert.

AMPION Testing, a Northern Ireland-based leader in electrical inspection and testing, has been announced as title sponsor of next Friday’s evening meeting at Down Royal.

This partnership underscores Ampion’s ongoing commitment to local events and sporting fixtures, as well as its dedication to ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance across various industries.

On Friday, racegoers can expect an electric atmosphere, with an evening of top-class racing followed by a live Luke Combs tribute act in the Shortcross Suite, ensuring the event ends on a high note.

Conor Kelly, Managing Director at Ampion Testing Northern Ireland said: “At Ampion, we understand the importance of precision and reliability - qualities that racing and our industry share.

“As a lifelong racing fan, it’s incredibly exciting to be part of such a prestigious event at Down Royal. We can’t wait to welcome racegoers for what promises to be a night to remember.”

Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal, commented: “Horse racing is all about performance, precision and delivering an unforgettable experience - values that Ampion Testing upholds in their field. Their support as title sponsor is a fantastic addition to this summer fixture, and with Luke Combs tribute act closing the night, we know it’s going to be a standout event.”

LET’s hope the weather conditions pan out for horses and humans alike on Monday for Family Fun Raceday at Downpatrick. While children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult, general admission tickets at £20 each, can be purchased online.

Jay Dagens won tickets for Monday in an online competition while Bernie Hillen did likewise for the track’s re-scheduled meeting on Tuesday. What a great start to their sport for the two Downpatrick supporters.

I AM sure that it won’t only be those whose equestrian careers revolve around coloured poles who will be watching the new Sky original documentary Death of A Showjumper which launches on Sky and the streaming service NOW this coming Wednesday, July 16th.