THERE was plenty of fun and games, and brilliant photo opportunities, at last Friday’s family race day at Downpatrick, but there was also the serious matter of racing.

A whitewash by southern trainers was prevented by Andy Oliver who sent out Touchedbyanangel to land the North Down Marquees Handicap Hurdle in the colours of Bellaghy’s Ronnie Graffin. Despatched as the 2/1 favourite. The six-year-old Beneficial gelding was ridden by Andrew Lynch, who was also on board the grey when he won at the track on his previous start last month.