Alderimli (16/1) improved on her third place at Fairyhouse in February when landing the two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Down Royal.

Andrew Ring was on board for Philip Rothwell and he made most on the six-year-old daughter of Alderbrook. She stayed on well for a three-length victory over Fitzgutentyte (7/1). Paudi The Punter at 10/1 came in third, beaten six and a quarter lengths while the 5/4 favourite, Easy Vic completed the placings in fourth.

Easy Vic, for Tony Martin and Ruby Walsh, could make no impression on the leaders as the evening of shocks continued.

Jockey Andrew Ring, a seven-pound claimer, said: “She ran in Fairyhouse and it was the soft ground that beat her. The better ground made a massive difference. She was ridden handy and did it well.”

Owner Geoffrey Ruddock commented: “That was an unexpected one. We ran her from the front last time and gave her the same enterprising ride here.

“If we get a dry summer we’ll keep her going. We’ve been in two minds whether to stop with her but I decided to keep going and patience pays!”

Alderimli paid almost 42/1 on the Tote.