< Royal Approval just got the better of a pulsating duel with Absolute Image to land the feature race at Downpatrick, the Pat O'Hare Bookmakers Rosebank Hurdle.

Absolute Image attempted to make all under Ruby Walsh, but Shane Hassett guided Royal Approval (14-1) into the lead after the second-last.

The favourite would not go away, however, and got his head back in front on the run-in, but Hassett drew every ounce of energy out of John McConnell's charge to get back up and score by a head.< Caltra Royale proved a class above his rivals in the www.patohare.com Maiden Hurdle, making all to finish a resounding winner.

Charles Byrnes' 2-1 favourite was always in command, and though Strident got within a length approaching the second-last, Mark Fahey had kept a bit up his sleeve and the six-year-old stormed to a four-and-a-half-length win.

Ruby Walsh timed his challenge to perfection on Caroline Hutchinson's Dark Strands (5-2), careering away in the closing stages to win the www.patohare.com Handicap Hurdle.

Three horses including The Hedge pulled into a clear lead on the back straight but Walsh did not panic, and after gradually wearing down The Hedge's lead, he was spring-heeled at the last, going on to win by eight lengths.

Walsh completed a quick-fire double half an hour later when driving William Codd's Conker Nails (11-4 favourite) to a two-and-a-half-length victory in the Pat O'Hare Bookmakers (Mares) Maiden Hurdle.

Philip Rothwell bagged a winner when Games came home two lengths in front of Lugato in the Pat O'Hare Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle.

Always to the fore under Eoin McCarthy, the 8-1 chance travelled sweetly throughout before pulling clear of his rivals on the turn for home.

Shay Slevin's Hepahepa Naeney (20-1) produced an encouraging debut effort when winning the www.patohare.com INH Flat Race.

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