The Noel Meade trained Protaras gained his fourth jumps win at Down Royal today when landing the Barclay WorkPal Handicap Hurdle, under Paul Carberry.

The race was hit, for varying reasons, by no less than seven non-runners and in the end Protaras held the late challenge of Fresh By Nature by three and a quarter lengths.

The winner was taking advantage of a hurdle mark 13lbs below his 124 chase rating and Carberry later explained "he did lose it a bit over fences and it was happening a bit too quick for him.

“He was very lucky with three horses falling (five out), but he came back on the bridle. I think he'll stick to hurdling and he liked the quick but good ground."

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham