The WKD Rated Hurdle saw Luke Dempsey successfully deputise for Davy Russell, winning on The Very Man in race two at Downpatrick.

Russell, reportedly sore after his fall from Dallas Des Pictons at Thurles yesterday, had to give up his mounts on this programme, and Dempsey came in for the spin on this Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Gordon Elliott-trained victor.

For the second race in succession there was a well-supported Charles Byrnes and Kevin Brouder market-leader. Vinnie Is Busy finished third for the pair in the opener, and though Wajaaha managed better in the silver medal position, he failed by eight lengths to The Very Man.

Following up on a Navan success from a fortnight back, The Very Man, a point-to-point scorer at the beginning of his career for the Crawford brothers at Loughanmore, did this well.

The Jeremy gelding led at the last before proving too strong for the opposition.

"He's a grand sort. He had been beaten a few times, but in fairness to him he had some lovely runs and bumped into a few horses,” said Elliott.

"I like the way he stayed galloping, he'll be okay."

The Stewards enquired into an incident on the turn before two out involving The Very Man, ridden by L.P. Dempsey, Kasakh Noir (FR), ridden by L.A. McKenna, and Jimmy Two Times ridden by Mr D.G. Lavery, where it appeared Kashakh Noir (FR) ran short of room on the inner and checked.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found that the incident was caused by accidental interference and took no further action.

(MG & EM)