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.