WHAT a great day Richard Lyttle and his team organised at Downpatrick on Tuesday - the only thing they failed to get right, as far as yours truly is concerned, was not ensuring that our mare won the two and a quarter mile handicap hurdle!

The track certainly looks after owners well and, in the Bistro, hospitality hostess Primrose Spence makes sure they get lunch and are offered a glass of wine which, as I wasn’t working, was availed of on this occasion. All to the accompaniment of the children’s karaoke next door – the theme from Frozen won’t let go!

All owners should ensure that, whichever gate they enter through, they pick up their owners’ luncheon vouchers. The fare on offer is really excellent.

The incomparable Richard once again managed to provide something for everyone on Tuesday – from pony rides to face painting, from best-dressed families to colouring competitions, from garden pursuits to designing jockeys’ silks.

The extremely busy Pamela Ballantine was not the only one to note that the maestro manager adds something new every year – but struggles to drop anything in exchange!

I see that Magners are promoting their new Forbidden Flavours at Down Royal next Friday – perhaps the mare would like a run on the flat!

If you are heading to the meeting put a few extra bob in your pocket as volunteers from PIPS, the nominated charity of employees at Tennent’s NI, will be collecting on the evening.The charity delivers suicide prevention and bereavement support services, counselling and therapies throughout Northern Ireland.