Gavigan thrilled with the view

Meath businessmen Michael Gavigan and Vincent Duff had plenty of reasons to celebrate on Saturday after their horse, View From The Top, caused a 25/1 shock at Dundalk in the hands of Dunboyne jockey Padraig Beggy. Trainer by Pat Martin at Slane, View From The Top got up close home to nab Imperial Belle for a neck success. The horse won previously at Dundalk in November 2008, but disappointed last time out in an apprentice handicap at Naas. The winner gave Beggy a double on the day as he also landed an apprentice handicap with Desert Al for Dunboyne handler Owen Weldon. Desert Al found it difficult to get a run over the last two years due to the ballotting system, but made the most of the chance on Saturday. Meath u-21 football manager Colm O'Rourke was in the winners' enclosure at Downpatrick on Friday evening. O'Rourke is a member of the syndicate which owns the Noel Meade-trained Byeforthepresent which won the Heart Of Down Maiden Hurdle under a strong ride from Nina Carberry. Byeforthepresent challenged for the lead two from home, but only got to the front close to the winning post to win by half-a-length. Meade teamed up with jockey Davy Condon to open his account for the season with Accord Aris in the first race on the card. Trainer Liam McAteer also had a winner at Clonmel on Thursday with Nans Best and Galway could be the next target where a handicap hurdle might be the option. Moynalty trainer Des McDonogh got off the mark at Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening when John Cullen partnered Cothrom Na Feinne to take a two-mile handicap hurdle in fine style.