Sutton Manor leads home Gigginstown 1-2

The opening beginners' chase in Down Royal boiled down to a match between the Gigginstown pair and it was Sutton Manor who toughed it out best.

Just four horses went to post for this extended two mile three contest in which Sutton manor led throughout.

He was closely tracked by Burgas who looked a significant threat two out.

However, Gordon Elliott's Sutton Manor knuckled down to his task on the run-in and edged ahead by three parts of a length at the line.

The winner was returned the 8/13 favourite while Noel Meade's Burgas was a 15/8 chance.

Winning jockey Jamie Codd commented: "It's tough going out there."