Sam Ewing completed a quick double in the two divisions of the Join Us On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap as Make The Switch scored for the in-form John McConnell yard.

The five-year-old gelding was adding to a maiden hurdle win at Down Royal last year, while McConnell was keeping the momentum going after two winners at Cheltenham and a further success at this venue in the space of 24 hours last week.

The well-backed 11/4 chance made headway in the straight to lead inside the final furlong and kept on well under Ewing, adding to his earlier win aboard Irish Poseidon to score by a length and three quarters. Crassus took the runner-up spot, with Canning a further three quarters of a length back in third.

McConnell said, "He did it well, he stayed at it well and will probably stay further. He's a big horse but handles that surface quite well so I'd say we'll come back here in the New Year for something. We could also go to England with him.

“I'm delighted for Derek Kierans, who is the biggest owner in the yard and has been very loyal.

“He's probably more of a summer hurdler. He probably wants good ground over jumps, a little ease in it. He's a nice dual purpose sort.

"He's a big horse and is probably only coming to himself now so there might be a little bit left in him. He's won a couple of races for us and should win a couple more.”

(GC & AM)