Born Braver lands Ulster National for Cromwell at Downpatrick 

I A Connect and Caragh Monaghan (red) lead Uncle Pat and Paul Townend (yellow) over the last fence in the Randox Ulster National, with eventual winner Born Braver and Keith Donoghue (orange) just approaching the fence. Pic: Healy Racing

Bouncing back from a lack-lustre effort in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown, Born Braver (15/2) gave Gavin Cromwell a third Randox Ulster National victory in Downpatrick.

Ridden by Keith Donoghue, the eight-year-old broke his duck over fence sin style, tracking the leaders before pouncing on the run-in and forging clear to beat favourite Uncle Pat by five lengths with I A Connect a creditable third.

Cromwell had previously bagged this prestigious prize with Spades Are Trumps (2022) and Malina Girl (2023), the latter ridden by Keith Donoghue, who commented, “He probably ran back a bit soon the last day, in the Grand National trial, when the pace was slow in heavy ground. But conditions were perfect for him today. 

“I was happy the whole way. We got a perfect position behind the leaders and he jumped brilliantly. Stamina is his thing and he saw it out well.

“We were hoping he’d scrape into the bottom of the Irish National. That didn’t work out and it’s great to win a good ‘pot’ like this with him.” 

Out of luck with Uncle Pat in the feature, Willie Mullins and Paul Townend had registered a poignant success in the opening Tote-sponsored maiden hurdle when newcomer Robertjames, in the colours of his owner-breeder and big-race sponsor Dr Peter Fitzgerald of Randox Health, made all to justify even-money favouritism by no fewer than 16 lengths.

“He’s a big staying chaser and it wasn’t ideal coming here for his first run, but it was nice to win for the big-race sponsors,” said Townend.

On a day he’ll remember for a long time, Sonny Carey savoured his first double as a trainer, with a strong Mullins family connection.

Carey’s double was sparked when Better Times, in the colours of Sandra McCarthy (sister of Willie Mullins) captured the Kevin Ross Bloodstock 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle, staying on under Michael Kenneally to foil Miss Lia.

“Peter (McCarthy) copped this race a couple of weeks ago,” explained Carey, “This horse wanted the step-up in trip and will go on better ground. He took time to learn to settle but he’s getting there. And we’ll let Peter make a plan for him.” The Carey double was completed when Cause For Comment, owned by Jackie Mullins and ridden by Patrick, landed the Boardsmill Stud Maiden Hunters Chase at the expense of West Of Idaho, stepping-up on his second placed effort behind stable-companion Asphalt Cowboy in the race last year.

“It’s brilliant, fantastic,” declared a delighted Carey, “I have so much to thank the Mullins family for and, of course, Arthur Moore – we train his yard and he’s a great man to give advice. I’ll leave plans to the jockey.” 

Andrew Kinirons struck with well-backed German import and dual-purpose prospect Lips Freedom (Donagh Meyler) in the Billie And Bertie Fitzgerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle while another gamble was landed by Cozone, for the father and son combination of Matt and James Smith, in the Hood McGowan Kirk Handicap Hurdle.