Only six went to post for the beginners chase at Down Royal but it proved an eventful affair with only half the field finishing.

The complexion of the race changed completely at the second fence as 2/7 hotpot Ballymak crashed out. Ad Man was the next to go when leading and exiting at the sixth last. Inverglen who had disputed early, was left in front.

He was untidy at the third last and relinquished the lead going to the next as Farmaland came through.

Matty Bowes kept Noel Hynds' gelding going in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters success. West Ship Master got rid of his jockey at the second last, when trailing, to leave three finishers.

It was a first winner at Down Royal for Hynds who said :-

"It was a muddling enough race and he just had to jump around with what happened.

"I'll look for a handicap on good ground. He actually hates that ground! It was good when I entered but changed."