Des McDonogh on the mark at Downpatrick

The weekend got off to a good start for the Moynalty area with local trainer Des McDonogh landing a winner in the second race at Downpatrick today. The Moynalty football team will be bidding to maintain that type of form when they run out at Páirc Tailteann tomorrow for the Junior B FC final against St Vincent's.

Today at Downpatrick the McDonogh-owned and trained Shek O Lad prevailed in a handicap hurdle from Canny Tom on the run-in by a neck for jockey Brien Kane. Our Rachael was the 5/2 favourite and finished third.

The Meath theme was maintaned as Noel Meade and new jockey Sean Flanagan won the opener with Mahler Ten which made a winning start in a maiden hurdle for owner Robert Watson - in the old Archie Watson racing colours.

It was a Meath one-two in the third race, with a Westmeath flavour, as a Gigginstown duo obliged. Odds-on favourite Ballela Boy prevailed for Gordon Elliott (David Mullins) from the Noel Meade-trained newcomer Brightest Flame.

Robbie Colgan did his bit to keep the Meath fllag flying when winning a novice chase for Banbridge trainer Neil McKnight with the aptly-named Better Back Bob.

The Meath theme continued with winners for Gavin Cromwell and Gordon Elliott in the concluding two races - Keith Donoghue and Nine Carberry had the steering duties.