It wasn't any surprise to see Ryan Treacy celebrate crossing the line as the five pound claimer came home in front aboard Fluerys Fort (around 20s earlier into 11s) in the O2 Office 365Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal.

Treacy hadn't ridden a winner since Kylecrue prevailed at Ballinrobe in July of last year, but he hasn't had many mounts in the meantime.

The reason for that of course was his lengthy spell on the sidelines after the terrible injuries he sustained in a fall in the Galway Plate last summer.

The Fermanagh man hasn't forgotten where the winning post is though, and after not having much room after three out on Fluerys Fort, he got into a challenging position from the next on the Margaret Marshall-owned and Leslie Young-trained six-year-old.

He led approaching the last and asserted on the run-in to see off By The Banks by three and a quarter lengths.

Young said: "He got his ground and everything went to plan. It was a competitive 20-runner race. It was a long way up, four and a half hours. We weren't coming for the fresh air! He'll go for something similar."

The Stewards interviewed Miss K. Ferris, rider of Deputy Consort (USA), concerning her use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) and 10(4), in that she used the whip with excessive frequency and without giving her mount sufficient time to respond. Having considered her record in this regard, she was suspended for two race days.

(MG & EM)