LAST year the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners honoured three racecourses at their awards dinner. One of the recipients was Downpatrick and this award, especially when it is given by owners who are the lifeblood of the industry, is highly prized and much valued by the racecourse manager Richard Lyttle.

While it is often said that Downpatrick is on any shortlist for friendliest racecourse accolades, the same could be said about Lyttle himself. In charge of the venue since 2010, he has stamped his own inimitable style on the days of racing there. Extremely customer focused in all that he does, he aims to make a visit to Downpatrick a day to remember. Lyttle cut his teeth on racecourse management with a 10-year stint in Navan.