CHARLIE SWAN achieved another remarkable milestone at Downpatrick yesterday when he recorded his 900th win on Ballymacrevan in the Killyeagh Maiden Hurdle.
The seven times champion, who recorded his first success on Final Assault at Naas over 13 years ago, sent the 10 to 1 chance into the lead over the penultimate, flight before coming home a snug three and a half length winner. The success provided northern trainer Ian Duncan with his first winner this season.
A delighted Swan said afterwards: "I am really pleased to get the 900 and I am going to go all out to try and achieve the 1,000."
Proceedings were delayed for over half an hour awaiting the arrival of a second ambulance. Incredibly, this was the second time this season that Downpatrick had suffered such a fate.
Following the opening race - which got underway 34 minutes late - the stewards inquired into the reason for its late arrival. They heard evidence from racecourse manager lain Duff who stated that St John's Ambulance Corps had telephoned the racecourse informing them that the ambulance had broken down en route.
The stewards, noting that this was the second occurrence of this nature at the track in recent months referred the matter to the Turf Club. A disappointed Duff said: "In future we will be requesting three ambulances as we cannot let this happen again."
The race eventually went to Fallow Tricks, who landed some nice bets in the hands of James Keville (24) his first racecourse success.
Patrons had also to endure a faulty PA system caused by the deluge before racing, but Leighlinbridge handler Pat Fahy had no reason to be upset when he completed a treble, highlighted by Dun Belle in the Toal Bookmakers EBF Novice Chase.
Sent off the 4 to 7 favourite, and partnered by Terry Mitchell, the Over The River mare came home three and a half lengths clear of Miss Elizabeth who made some costly errors over the final obstacles.
Stoneleigh Turbo initiated the hat trick in the Irvinestown Handicap Hurdle after drawing clear on the run in from Song For Africa to provide jockey Adrian O Shea with his 11th success.
The treble was completed by Remainder Man in the bumper which was run in very murky conditions due to the fading light.
. Carlisle will hold an inspection at 8.30 a.m. to determine prospects for the today's meeting. The going is currently good but frozen in places.
