Abarta showed reserves of stamina to rally gamely for a narrow win in the 2m7f handicap hurdle at Downpatrick.

Val O'Brien 's charge proved another well-backed winner on a tough day for the bookies as he returned 9/2 having been 10/1 this morning.

Luke Dempsey hit the front three from home on the nine-year-old but he was headed after the next by 3/1 joint favourite Broughtons Bandit

The other market leader Cousin Bill joined in going to the last as three jumped the final flight in contention.

It boiled down to battle between Broughtons Bandit and Abarta with the later getting on top close home for a neck victory.

The winner has also scored here over fences last month and owner Sean O'Brien said afterwards:-

"He's tough on the hill. Luke gave him a brilliant ride. I'd love to go to Galway but he'll hardly get in. He could come back here as there's a saying you come back and dig where you found gold!"

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)