The Shunter and Brian Hayes pop the last© Photo Healy Racing
Emmet Mullins' The Shunter (5/2) picked off odds on favourite Tullybeg on the run-in to land the opening maiden hurdle in Downpatrick.
He took over from the 1/2 favourite soon after the last and put four lengths on him at the winning post.
Tullybeg could give no more and had to settle for the runner-up berth. He came in four and three quarter lengths ahead of third-placed Elderado (28/1).
Jockey Brian Hayes said: "I think the hood made a big difference. He didn't have the hood before, so I think today it really helped him settle. Getting him settled was key.
"He was a bit frisky going down to the start and he takes a bit of handling.
"Emmet did a great job getting him here and putting the hood on him I think has crowned him."
This was The Shunter's first run since being banned for 60 days following a running and riding enquiry after finishing fourth at Tipperary on 1st July.
