Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy had an odds-on shot turned over in the opener at Downpatrick but they were the ones beating a hot-pot in race three as Fancy Foundations defeated Captain Mc in the Ulster Carpets Maiden Hurdle.

Cullentra House’s Tullybeg (a 1/2 shot) couldn’t match The Shunter in the two mile three furlong maiden hurdle that started the programme, and short odds punters again had their fingers burnt with Captain Mc (6/5 into 5/6).

Elliott’s original favourite Mason City came out as he was lame, and Fancy Foundations (his jumping not always without flaw) went on approaching the last to see off Captain Mc by nine and a half lengths.

Kennedy said: "Delighted. That horse has done it well. He was probably entitled to do it, we thought a bit of him last year on his work but he has been fairly disappointing.

"He did (enjoy himself today), he did it very easily but he was entitled to win that race now. He'll come on from it as well."

Meanwhile on his recent return from injury, he added: "Exactly (great to be back) and hopefully touch wood I'll have a good year."

(MG & EM)