Shariyan left his previous form well behind to run out a gutsy winner of the First Past The Post Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Andrew McNamara got a good tune from the Kahyasi gelding up the hill to win a duel with Lake Return

The pair had both been produced to challenge at the second last but it was Colm Murphy's charge who found more in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half lengths success.

The winner had attracted some support this morning at 25/1 and was eventually sent off a 16/1 shot on track.

Murphy was not on hand to welcome back his winner. Symphonist sent off the 6/1 joint-favourite, was found to be lame post-race after trailing in last of the 15 finishers.