Gordon Elliott's Lake Malawi saw off Atlantic Breaker by half a length to take the opening maiden hurdle in Downpatrick.

The 2/1 favourite kept on well on the run-in to deprive the well backed runner-up (4/1 from 7/1 in the morning). Atlantic Breaker refused to give best and kept on well under Derek Fox. Little Stampy (8/1) completed the placings in third, a further seven lengths back.

Luke Dempsey did the steering on the winner who was improving on a runner-up finish in Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott said: "On his run the last day in Punchestown he was probably entitled to do it. He wasn't doing a whole lot when he got there. The owners love going to Perth so he'll go to Perth for a novice hurdle at the end of the month all being well.

"Luke gave him a good ride. He's a very good rider.

"I'd say Bryan (Cooper) will be back in two weeks [after getting pins removed]."

The owner, James Reilly, is from Navan.