Top Of The Town conquers Downpatrick

Top Of The Town was half a length too good for the favourite Ultimate Horseman in the two mile seven maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

Paul Townend poached a couple of lengths on the downhill run to the last and his mount responded on the uphill finish to grab the spoils.

Ultimate Horseman tried to hunt him down but couldn't quite reel him in. Barrack Street at 16/1 completed the placings in third, a further two lengths away.

The winner was nicely backed during the day from 9/4 to 6/4 and went off at 11/8. Ultimate Horseman was the 5/4 jolly.

Jockey Paul Townend said: "He hung from a long way out. Thankfully the track is narrow. He probably wants to go the other way."

Trainer Charles Byrnes added: "He stays, he is what he is."

Top Of The Town had been placed third in his last two outings in big-field handicap hurdles.

This gave Townend a double on the card as he bagged race three on board Twenty Four Years.