Huge De Vindecy made the most of a drop in class when returning to winning ways in the Weatherbys Racecards Hurdle at Down Royal.

The six-year-old has now been placed on each of his five starts over timber and was sent off at 15-8 for this event having finished a fine third in a Grade Three at Limerick in December.

Jessica Harrington's charge travelled kindly throughout in the hands of Barry Gergahty and quickened away from the final light to beat Rubi Light by three lengths.

"There is a Grade Two over two and a half miles at Thurles for him. Hopefully he might be good enough as he has improved a bit," said Harrington.

"Last time he didn't like it at Limerick. He's a good jumper but made a very bad mistake at one of the easyfix hurdles."

Colm Murphy's 10-1 chance Mick The Man landed an eventful N.I. Hotel Federation Beginners Chase, with a number of horses failing to complete.

"I'm not sure where we will go. I'll look for a little winners of one or a handicap," said Murphy.

"We'll play it by ear with him and not aim for anything too big."

Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh once again combined to good effect as 7-2 chance Montan made a winning debut for the yard in the Sean Graham Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle.

Martin said: "I don't know where we'll go with him. We'll just keep him to handicap hurdles."

The Mervyn Torrens-trained Hughies Grey (8-1) opened his account over obstacles with a game display in the Bet With The Tote Handicap Hurdle.

"He loves the ground. He'll stay hurdling this year and next year we'll go chasing with him," said Torrens.

"He jumps very well. He's tough and genuine and is a lovely horse."< Rose's Emma (8-1) swooped late to land the Weatherbys Insurance Novice Handicap Hurdle, while 4-1 shot The Flying Dustman took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.

Colin McBratney stole the show in the closing St. Patricks Day Punters Pack Flat Race as 7-1 shot Sole Witness led home stablemate Fireitfromye to give the trainer a 1-2.

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