It is certainly rare and probably unique to find a Group 1 flat race runner, even an also ran, participating over hurdles at Downpatrick. Noel Furlong, who has run very few horses this year, has elected to introduce Kayaara to the jumps game in the Ardglass Maiden Hurdle this evening.

The engagement of Kevin O'Brien is a pointer that he is likely to go well and the major problem concerns his temperament rather than his ability.

He did not want to race at all in last year's Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and took no part. Hurdling often sweetens up horses of this type and, if that is the case, he would be a cut above Tom Tom. He is, however, not nap material. Not that this final evening meeting of the 1997 season is replete with sound bets. However, the richest race, the Mace Northern Ireland Champion Apprentice Handicap which at £5,000 is worth twice as much as any other race, could see Veritable Gallery repeat his course and distance win.

His handler Joe Canty is a patient man as he had to wait three years for the horse to achieve his second career win when he won very easily from Comrade Chinnery. Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum is also patiently waiting for Con Collins to find a race within the compass of Rain and Shine. Second four times on the trot, the Strangford Maiden may prove the ticket.

Caldry Lad is one to note in the bumper as this is his first outing since he started co-favourite for a Naas bumper won by Verrazano Bridge earlier this year. Naas bumpers are usually much harder to win than those in the north.