THERE was a strong connection between eventing and racing at Down Royal last Friday. The opening beginners’ chase was won by the Noel Meade-trained mare Down Ace who was bred by well-known local veterinary surgeon Callie Berry, mother of European junior team gold medallist Susie.

The following handicap chase went to Ardmillan who runs in the colours of Elizabeth ‘Hammy’ Hamilton, a committee member of the Northern Region of Eventing Ireland and a regular fence steward. The six-year-old Golan gelding was bred by Hammy’s partner David Mitchell, the former international rider and coach, and is trained for them by another former international competitor, Stuart Crawford.

WINNER

Killultagh Sarah, winner of the two and a half mile maiden hurdle for the Colin McBratney yard, is owned by Rose Boyd, Master of the Killultagh, Old Rock & Chichester Hunt. Along with her husband Frank who bred the six-year-old Definite Article mare, Rose will be hosting an EI one-day at the lovely Rademon estate in early May.

The Crossgar couple are also joint-owners of the wonderful Hurricane Fly who recorded his 21st Grade 1 success in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown on Monday.

The bumper at Down Royal was won by Rushvale, owned and trained by former top junior rider James Jenkins who made a brief return to eventing last season when second in an EI 90 class at Glenpatrick on the ex-racehorse Teluel.

REMARKABLE

Rushvale, who was led up on Friday by James’s partner Shelley Boyle, another well-known event rider, was ridden by Anthony Fox who also scored on Ardmillan. Remarkably his twin, Ger, who partnered Down Ace, also brought up a double on Coney Choice who is owned and trained by Lady Janey Gillespie, the well-known side-saddle rider.

Anthony and Ger were once members of the Ward Union Pony Club and, when he has the time, Ger hunts with the Wards, as does his father Noel, brother Martin and sister Sallyann.