The opening race at Down Royal this evening, the 4yo Dale Farm Maiden Hurdle, saw Sizing Machine just get the better Defence Of Duress

The Jim Dreaper trained gelding was having just his third career start today after finishing well beaten on his debut in the Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse in April before finishing fourth on his debut over hurdles at Ballinrobe earlier this month behind Font Of Wisdom.

Sent off at 6/1 today he made most of the running and was joined from before two out by the 11/8 favourite Defence Of Duress.

There was nothing between the pair from there on with Sizing Machine just getting his head in front close home to score by a neck at the line.

Defence Of Duress had to settle for second under David Casey for Tom Taaffe while Faustina Pius completed the placings six lengths back in third under Brian Hayes for John Queally at 10/3 (opened 9/2 this morning with Paddy Powers).

Winning rider Keith Donoghue said afterwards: "He battled well. He was a bit idle in front but he kept at it well when the other one joined him. He jumped super today but he would like a bit better ground.

"I need twelve more winners to ride out my claim and that is my sixth winner of the season."

The Stewards interviewed D.J. Casey, rider of Defence Of Duress, placed 2nd, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found that D.J. Casey was in breach of Regulation 10(4) by using his whip without giving his mount a chance to respond and suspended him for 1 raceday.

(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)