La Sylvia est belle

Moynalty trainer Des McDonogh produced his promising filly La Sylvia, which was partnered by his son Declan, to land the feature race at Bellewstown on Friday evening and scoop over €16,000 for the connections. La Slyvia was sent off as the 11/4 favourite and made all the running over the minimum five-furlong trip at the hillside track. The trainer nominated the Rockingham at the Curragh next weekend as a possible target- 'if she gets in' - he commented as he savoured the atmosphere in the winners enclosure. That completed a double for Declan McDonogh who also won on Mt Weather over the fast five furlongs. There was also another winner for Ger Lyons when Turk followed up on his recent Down Royal win for South African jockey Keagan Latham. Stamullen trainer Tom McCourt was also on the mark for owner Fergal Gaughran from Crossakiel, the man who brought the "infamous" Ballinger Ridge to Ireland a couple of years ago for a campaign over hurdles. Dunsany amateur Andrew Duff was seen at his best in the concluding race when he got the Ted Walsh-trained Paramount home ahead of the rest in an amateur race. Paramount appears to like the Meath track as he last won a race in August 2007 at Bellewstown when he beat the Gordon Elliott-trained Salford City.