Spades Are Trumps proved the ace in the pack when running out a convincing winner of the Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase at Downpatrick on Sunday.
An effortless win for Spades Are Trumps in the Randox Ulster National! @gavincromwell1's charge cruises clear after the last to cap a memorable week for @markmcdonagh15 who guided Banbridge to victory at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday! @DownpatrickRace | @RandoxOfficial pic.twitter.com/xdIx1k21WJ
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 20, 2022
The nine-year-old, owned by J.P. McManus, trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by 7lb claimer Mark McDonagh, led at the final fence and sped away from his rivals.
All three named were continuing their fine recent form, having been on the scoreboard at the Cheltenham Festival.
There was an incident-packed start to the race with six casualties at the first two fences, including the 3/1 favourite Portstorm.
Notice To Close took the remainder along for most of the way until he weakened out of contention by the third-last fence.
It was a wide-open affair at that point, with Agent Boru making his bid for glory, but Spades Are Trumps (5/1) was going ominously well and soon stamped his authority on proceedings.
He pulled clear to score by six lengths from Agent Boru, with the winner’s stablemate Peaches And Cream six and half lengths away in third place.
McDonagh said: “A great week. I want to thank everyone for giving me opportunities, but for them I wouldn’t be here.
"Pure luck!"
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 20, 2022
Despite Spades Are Trumps recording an easy victory in the Randox Ulster National, winning-rider @markmcdonagh15 says it wasn't all plain sailing en route to success in the @DownpatrickRace feature ?? @irishkor pic.twitter.com/84Q7WbfL98
“He just took to the course, he travelled well and enjoyed being in and out.
“A lot of horses fell in the race. I’m sure if everybody stood up it could have been different.”
On his victory on Banbridge in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, he said: “It was great, Joseph O’Brien has been good to me. I’ve been with him since January.
“The experience I am getting in the yard and office is great. To get opportunities on top of that is a bonus.
“There is not a single word that describes it. I’ve heard people call things indescribable and now it makes sense.”
SHARING OPTIONS: