Fran Berry won the featured Ulster Cesarewitch for the third time when partnering Madonna Fan to victory for trainer Arthur Moore at Downpatrick on Monday.
The Mighty Minnow looked to have the race wrapped up with a furlong to run but Berry showed why he is one of Ireland's best young jockeys by producing the 4/1 fav with a late surging run to collar Rory Cleary on the line.
Arthur Moore said of his winner: "He was always going well and always in contention. Although the runner-up got a head start on us at the finish, Fran had him close enough. He gave him a great ride."
Paul Carberry got favourite backers off to a winning start with a 7l victory aboard the Dermot Weld-trained Lowlander (4/7-4/5-8/13) in the opening maiden hurdle. The 4yo, who now goes for a winners hurdle at Tralee at the weekend, was purchased at Newmarket sales late last year.
Filed by James McMahon
