AS we follow the racing exploits of Downpatrick-born amateur David Maxwell in the countdown to the major National Hunt Festivals, we saw that he decided to travel to Kelso last Sunday instead of Tinahely.

At the Co Wicklow venue, Barry O’Neill took the owner’s place on board the Presenting gelding Marinero who was having his first run for the David Christie yard when winning the open by half a length. The nine-year-old, who was greeted at the number one spot by Maxwell’s mother Judy, was bringing up a double for his breeder William Devereux whose own colours were carried to success in the opening five and six-year-old mares’ maiden by the pointing newcomer, Bold Sky (who is also by Presenting).