Mousey Brown (nearest) © Photo Healy Racing
There was a fair amount of drama in the closing stages of the 2m4f bumper which was won by the Dermot McLoughlin-trained Mousey Brown (10/1).
Fourth in a Killarney maiden hurdle on his previous start, the Califet mare improved to track the leaders before the home turn and then got into a barging match with Minella Mate when trying to get a run up the inside of that rival in the straight.
Dara McGill 's mount showed good resolution to eventually get past that rival but then was all out to hold on by a short head from Down Around who finished with a rattle and would have been up in another stride.
Minella Mate finished another two and a half lengths back in third.
The stewards subsequently found that McGill and Minella Mate's jockey Johnny Barry had ridden improperly and both were suspended for four days.
James Griffin, McLoughlin's authorised representative, said: "She won a point-to-point first time out at Tyrella and then ran well in a winners' race. She was very green in her first bumper.
Dermot and Alan (Smith, owner) then decided to give her a spin over hurdles and if she was lucky enough to click, happy days. This race was always the plan though, Alan had picked it out a long time ago. We were working back from this race.
"Dara gave her a great ride. She is a big National Hunt staying mare and would just lack a gear for a proper two-mile race. She will be kept on the go and do her job over hurdles but ultimately, she is a chaser.
"Alan is from Dublin and runs a company called Just Lite. They do cameras and lighting at concerts and events. He has The Great White with Dermot as well."
Quotes from Donal Murphy
