Trainer Tony Martin and jockey Paul Townend combined for a double at Down Royal today when Pires completed their brace in the Robinson Services Handicap Steeplechase.

Towned was at his patient best on the son of Generous, improving him to dispute the lead over the final fence with runner-up Monastrell Pires, successful on two of his previous three jump starts, battled well on the run-in for a three parts of a length win.

Martin later stated “Pires is a better ground horse and is an ideal spring horse. We'll look at Leopardstown over Christmas for him and he might revert to Dundalk again too.

“His owner Lilly Lawlor is a neighbour of mine from Athboy.”

Additional reporting by Michael Graham