DOWNPATRICK native David Maxwell was out of luck in his attempt to win a race at Britain’s most southerly and northerly racecourses on Wednesday.

He first rode in the 4.45pm hunters’ chase at Newton Abbot but there his Paul Nicholls-trained Vivaldi Collonges, who was sent off the 5/4 favourite, could only finish third behind the 13-year-old Anshan gelding Strumble Head.

Maxwell then flew up to Perth where his luck was definitely out in the 9.05pm hunters’ chase as his Philip Hobbs-trained Mendip Express was fifth of six finishers (eight starters) behind the oldest horse in the field, Creevytennant.

Now 14 years of age, Creevytennant began his career with Neill McCluskey (who these days is more involved with the production of young event horses) but was trained by Stephen Magee when winning a seven and eight-year-old geldings’ maiden at Tyrella in January 2011. The Bob’s Return gelding has since won two more point-to-points and nine races over fences, mostly in hunters’ chases.

BALMORAL

THERE were many people from the worlds of racing and point-to-pointing at Balmoral during the week but I was particularly delighted to meet Billy and Celia Magill who I hadn’t seen for a very long time.

They were in very good form and told me that these days they enjoy spending time with their 10 grandchildren.

I also met John and Jonjo Bright, who, early on Thursday morning, were watching the ridden Connemara classes, and later in the day I ran into Graeme and Ann Marie Martin who, as supporters of the Mid Antrim hunt, were well pleased their point-to-point at Loughanmore last Saturday.