A change in tactics proved vital as Royal Chief just came out best in a thrilling finish to the Tote Betting Now Available At Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle.

Winner of a point-to-point on decent ground at Lisronagh last December, the grey gelding was sent off at 9/1 here having cut little ice on his handicap debut at Tipperary last month.

However Mikey Butler’s decision to make the running in this 2m5f event appeared to work a treat as he travelled well until challenged approaching the final hurdle.

The Eoin Doyle-trained five-year-old was involved in a three-way battle up the final climb to the line with Jayo Time and Jim Bowie for company either side.

The latter squeezed through a narrow gap on the far rail and only lost out by a nose, with Jayo Time weakening close home to finish another two and three quarter lengths back in third.

A stewards enquiry was called after the first two appeared to touch a few times in the closing stages but the result remained unaltered.

Feidhlim Cunningham from Moynavey Co Meath is part of the winning South East Racing Club Syndicate and said: "There are over 20 in the syndicate and two of us made it up today. Most of them are based in Tipperary and Kilkenny as you can see in the horse’s colours.

“The key to him was the ground. He got a bit outpaced the last day. The track suited him here. Eoin was hopeful of a good run and of him being in the places.

“Mikey said he thought he had held on. He's a tough sort of horse."

(MG & AM)