Ulster Derby
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ulster Derby is a flat horse race in Northern Ireland for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and 190 yards (2,588 metres) at Down Royal racecourse in late June.
It is the most valuable flat race in Northern Ireland, where fixtures are run under the authority of Horse Racing Ireland, although actually taking place within the United Kingdom.
The Ulster Derby is currently a handicap race and was first run in 1936. Prior to 1994 the race was for three-year-olds only, and before 2004 the distance was 1 mile 4 furlongs and 68 yards (2,476 metres).
The most notable winner of recent years is Media Puzzle, who went on to win the Melbourne Cup in 2002.
[edit] Winners since 1994
| Year | Winner | Age | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
| 1994 | Karikata | 3 | 8-01 | D. G. O'Shea | John Oxx | * |
| 1995 | Munif | 3 | 8-10 | Michael Kinane | Dermot Weld | 2:33.5 |
| 1996 | I'm Supposin | 4 | 9-09 | M. Duffy | Kevin Prendergast | * |
| 1997 | Docklands Limo | 4 | 8-05 | David Harrison | Brian McMath | 2:33.8 |
| 1998 | Dragon Triumph | 3 | 8-02 | Robbie Fitzpatrick | Jim Gorman | 2:35.1 |
| 1999 | General Cloney | 3 | 8-00 | Niall McCullagh | Willie Mullins | 2:34.9 |
| 2000 | Media Puzzle | 3 | 8-09 | Pat Smullen | Dermot Weld | 2:32.1 |
| 2001 | = Citizen Edward | 4 | 8-03 | Seamus Heffernan | Jim Bolger | 2:32.3 |
| = Masilia | 4 | 8-07 | Johnny Murtagh | John Oxx | ||
| 2002 | Balapour | 4 | 8-01 | Tom Queally | Oliver Brady | 2:53.3 |
| 2003 | Blue Corrig | 3 | 7-05 | David Moran | Joseph Crowley | 2:35.7 |
| 2004 | Green Lassy | 4 | 7-05 | Padraig Beggy | Ger Lyons | 2:45.7 |
| 2005 | Newlands North | 4 | 7-10 | Rory Cleary | Michael O'Brien | 2:49.5 |
| 2006 | Kempes | 3 | 8-08 | Pat Smullen | Frances Crowley | 2:43.2 |
* The winner's time was not officially recorded in 1994 and 1996.
