The Downpatrick Hurdle caused a surprise when the 20/1 outsider of the field The Hedge came home in front under Davy Russell making it a double on the day for the jockey.

Winning trainer Mayne Kidd said afterwards: “It was great to get the win out of him. He has been very consistent, Jackie finished second on this lad three times.”

“We will either go for another hurdle or go chasing next. He wouldn’t want the ground any worse than it is today.”

Russell’s other winner came in the previous race after he won the Newry Mares Maiden Hurdle aboard Loughaderra Dame