After his achievement in saddling Bobbyjo to break the hoodoo which had blighted Irish-trained runners in the Aintree Grand National ever since he himself rode L'Escargot to victory in 1975, it was a surefire nap that Irish racing journalists would select Tommy Carberry as Goffs Racing Personality of the Year.
Both L'Escargot and Bobbyjo had completed family triumphs at Liverpool, as the former was trained by Tommy's father-in-law, the late Dan Moore, while Bobbyjo was in turn ridden by Tommy's eldest son Paul.
It would be nice to think that Bobbyjo's stablemate Nurse Victor, the mount of Paul's younger brother Philip, was almost as good a bet at Downpatrick this afternoon but in the light of the general standard of racing here, that would be overstating things.
She ran well enough, though, when second at Tramore to Very Tempting to be the form choice in the Bet With The Tote Maiden Hurdle.
Paul Carberry's best chance of a winner today is Church Place but he may be touched off in the Down District Council Novice Chase by the recent runaway Down Royal winner, Folliday.
In one way or another Charlie Swan can be involved in three winners. He trains and rides This Is Serious (2.15), he partners Joyce Bel (2.45) and trains Tender Return (4-15).
This Is Serious ran in a useful three-mile handicap hurdle when ninth to Muskerry King at Wexford, so he will gets today's trip in comfort. Tony Martin's knack of getting his horses well handicapped may again be on show with Joyce Bel, and Swan had the ride on the major danger, Roscrea Travel, last time out.
This is the first run in a bumper for Tender Return since joining Charlie Swan's stable, and it is also noteworthy that it is the first time she has worn blinkers.
At 16 years of age, Final Tub would lay undisputed claim to being the oldest race winner in Ireland in 1999 if she can beat her four rivals in the opportunity handicap chase. Val O'Brien's durable campaigner, who is seeking his 13th career success, was fourth to No Problem at Downpatrick last month.
Cumbrian Challenge continued his love affair with Wetherby by recording his 10th victory there yesterday.
