There was a cracking finish to the first division of the 47-65 handicap over nine furlongs which Darkened (5/1) landed under 7lb claimer Daniel King for trainer Denis Hogan.

The Dark Angel gelding, a previous winner on the Flat and over hurdles, tracked the leaders before being produced to challenge entering the final quarter-mile.

After gaining a narrow lead over a furlong out, the six-year-old had to fend off three rivals in the closing stages and battled well to hold Draco Pulchrac by half a length. The others to make the frame, Stay Local and Mr Mills were only a neck and half a length further away at the line.

King said: "He was good and tough when they came to him and he battled back. He likes this ground and it was nice to get his head in front again."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes