Riverside City swoops late to conquer in Downpatrick

Riverside City swooped late to foil top-weight Man From Van in the featured Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grad National in Downpatrick yesterday, providing the highlight of a double for Gordon Elliott and Davy Condon.

Only fifth jumping the final fence, the J P McManus-owned six-year-old — an eight-race maiden over fences — stayed on dourly to triumph by a head, giving Elliott his first win in the traditional Downpatrick feature.

“It’s been a lucky track for me over the years,” said Elliott. “The bit of better ground made a difference to this horse. He’s been disappointing and I was worried about the trip – that’s why we decided to drop him in, hunt around and creep into it. Davy gave him a peach of a ride. It’s a nice pot to win. He might head to Punchestown for the long-distance handicap chase (on the final day, May 2).”