Father and son partnerships proved profitable combinations at Downpatrick yesterday when they scooped three of the six races on the card. Grand National-winning trainer Tommy Carberry and his son, 19-year-old Philip, were responsible for the first winner of the session when market leader Nurse Victor kept on well from the last flight on the uphill climb to the line to hold off Shereevagh by two lengths.

Half-an-hour later the Carberry alliance completed a 23 to 1 double, the first for the teenage rider, when 5 to 1 shot Delfranco stayed on best of all to head a gallant front-running top weight, Prince De Loir, close home in the two mile six furlong maiden hurdle.

Former rider Paddy Mooney, a neighbour of the Carberry family near Rathoath, was responsible for the winner of the handicap hurdle when he sent out Veneguera to score in the hands of his 18-year-old son, Martin.

The winning rider, who spent time in England with trainers Willie Musson and Dai Haine, was recording the third win of his career aboard the 12 to 1 chance.

The novice chase developed into a match between the market principals, Church Place and Folliday, with victory going to the Folliday, who made virtually all under Conor O'Dwyer to justify favouritism.