Spades Are Trumps crowns a fabulous week for Mark McDonagh in Ulster National

Sunday: Downpatrick

After riding his first Cheltenham Festival winner on Friday, Mark McDonagh could not have imagined his unforgettable week could get any better, but he capped it off in style when Spades Are Trumps claimed an eventful Randox Ulster National.

Six runners went at the first two fences and anything that stood up had to count their blessings somewhat, including the Gavin Cromwell-trained Spades Are Trumps.

By the latter stages of the 3m4½f contest the nine-year-old was travelling best and went on to score by six lengths from Agent Boru.

Adding to McDonagh's Cheltenham Festival success on Banbridge, the victory marked the jockey's second big handicap win this season for owner JP McManus, having won the Leopardstown Chase in February on Birchdale.

He said: "What a three days it's been! I doubt I'll come across a week like this for a good while. There was a lot of carnage early on and it was pure luck that got me out of that trouble. It's an honour to ride in these colours and hopefully we can have more success.

"You hear a lot of people saying that riding a Cheltenham winner is indescribable. After Friday, I understand what that means. There's not a word that will go to it.

"If somebody told me what was going to happen over the last three days, I would have said I had a better chance of winning the Lotto!"

Result stands following opening controversy

The 2m3f maiden hurdle had its share of controversy after the starter let them go despite several of the jockeys seemingly ill-prepared to jump off.

Odds-on favourite Vinnie Is Busy was almost sideways when the tape was released and lost several lengths. Front-runner I Don't Get It managed to make flying start and tilted the race in his favour, but he was reeled in on the climb to the finish.

Several riders complained that starter Derek Cullen had told them to take a turn a second or two before letting them go. A lengthy stewards' inquiry ensued, which delayed the start of the second race by 11 minutes, but the result was allowed to stand.

Watch the replay here

The Charles Byrnes-trained Vinnie Is Busy, despite being disadvantaged at the start, worked his way into contention before falling at the third-last.

"These things happen," Byrnes said. "We have no excuses, my horse was only a couple of lengths off the winner and had a perfect position when he fell."

The field in the Downpatrick was well strung out just moments after the starter let them go

The race was won by the Barry Browne-ridden Winding River, who collared I Don't Get It to score by three lengths, continuing the strong form of trainer Oliver McKiernan.

McKiernan said: "This fellow is probably lucky enough to be here. Earlier on in life we brought him to a few race meetings and it was dangerous stuff with him.

"We didn't want anyone to get hurt with him, that's how bad it was. But he has settled a good bit since and I would say the good ground suited him. Hopefully his mindset is getting better and we'll probably go for the final of this series at Punchestown."

Results, replays and analysis

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