Down in trip and grade after last month's 17-length course victory, Portnacoo (9/2) followed up under Darragh O'Keeffe in the Caleb & Ezra Starkey Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

The Morozov gelding was ridden in third on the downhill run after two out and moved second over the last before mastering Single Edition by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

The six-year-old was making it two wins in three starts since joining Ballyclare-based owner-trainer Harry Smyth.

"This was the only race here for him," said Smyth.

"The drop in trip made no difference to him.

"Darragh's a super rider - he was told not to take it up before the last.

"I'm going to Listowel on Friday, he might run again at Listowel. It will be six hours down and it is me that does the driving."

Quotes from Michael Graham