Dublin-based trainer Sean Thornton saddled Eventide at 8/1 to win the two mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal under claimer Conor Maxwell.

It was Maxwell's first winner since returning from injuries sustained at Kilbeggan in June.

Eventide stayed on stoutly to beat Boragh Princess from the in-form Gordon Elliott/Paul Carberry combination.

Thornton said: "We've only had the mare for three weeks. She ran ok at Ballinrobe last time out but we didn't fancy her today. A lot of credit must go to my son Karl who does all the work with her at home."

3/1 favourite Golan Guy finished last and when examined was found to have an over-reach injury. Second favourite Celtic Strand was found to be lame post-race.

Conor Maxwell had suffered a bad fall from the ill-fated Catskill at Kilbeggan on June 6th.

The promising claimer suffered a broken right collarbone and left wrist as well as breaking number of teeth.

He had only returned to action at Bellewstown on Thursday with three rides and had finished fourth in the opener today at Down Royal on Blue Ridge Lane