Horse Racing
Cromwell and Donoghue in National-winning form at Downpatrick
Gavin Cromwell warmed up for Aintree with victory in the Randox Ulster National at Downpatrick through Born Braver.
Cromwell will have a team on Merseyside headed by Cheltenham winner Final Orders, who will be 10lb well-in on British Horseracing Authority figures following his victory in the cross-country chase at the Festival, as he looks to emulate Tiger Roll in winning both races.
Born Braver (15-2) is not at that level, but he reaffirmed the form of the Cromwell string in beating 15-8 favourite Uncle Pat by five lengths in the hands of Keith Donoghue, who rode Tiger Roll at Cheltenham before both of his National triumphs.
Donoghue said: “Somehow I got beat on Final Orders in this race last year (beaten half a length by Dunboyne).
“He (Born Braver) jumped brilliantly, he’s a very laid-back horse. He had a good run in Down Royal in January and probably just ran back a bit soon on heavy ground at Punchestown last time. It was a slowly-run race on heavy ground and he just didn’t get his conditions, but you have to run in these races to get your day.
“He’s a typical Court Cave – he probably doesn’t want good ground, he just wants a bit of an ease in it. He had perfect conditions today and the trip suited him.
“I had a perfect position and was happy the whole way. We were hoping he would scrape in at the bottom of the Irish National. That didn’t work out, but thankfully he got this.
“It is a good pot up here and it is a great crowd.”
