The principals race for home in Downpatrick's opener - winner Golden Firth (stripes)© Photo Healy Racing
Mervyn Torrens' Golden Firth (7-1) just held the late rally of Faanan Aldaar to win the Martinstown Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.
Kevin Sexton sent the winner into the lead soon after the last and he dug deep to repel the fast-finishing runner-up by a neck.
Davy Russell booted the Colin Bowe-trained Ma Belle Amie home to claim the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The same combination failed to justify favouritism at Fairyhouse last month but made amends with a four-length defeat of Ultra Light at odds of 11-4.< Khan Tengri returned to the winner's enclosure in the New Season New Look Novice Handicap Hurdle.
Without success since scoring at Roscommon last August, the Oliver Brady inmate took it up from long-time leader Shattered Dream at the final flight.
Adrian Heskin had to keep the grey up to his work on the long run-in but he found plenty for pressure, drawing four and a half-lengths clear of Hazariban < Paddy O Dee made every post a winning one in the Square One Bar Dromara Handicap Hurdle.
Philip Rothwell's charge looked a sitting duck as Miranour loomed large on his heels approaching the turn into the home straight, but Mark Enright had managed to get a breather into the 10-1 chance, who kicked again and ultimately went on to score by three and a quarter lengths.
An eventful Bet With The Bookies Handicap Chase saw Deputy Consort (7-1) run out a fortunate victor.
Clare Cannon's representative looked booked for a supporting role as Coolking and Breffni Gael battled it out but they fell at the second-last and third-last fences respectively.
Andrew Lynch's mount was left with a clear lead and although he wandered a little on the home straight, the 10-year-old had enough in hand to beat In Te Haven by three lengths.
