Aidan Whelan, who had his colours carried with distinction by Dutsdale Dancer in the past, produced King's Parade (11s into 8s) fit and well to land the opener at Downpatrick.

The Dynaformer gelding came home best under Keith Donoghue to prevail in a three way finish from Sounds Of Thunder and the always prominent Akatara

Whelan, based in Rathoath, said: "I was expecting a big run and I would have been disappointed if he hadn't been in the first three.

"He may go for a novice at Fairyhouse on Easter Tuesday now. We ran him in a different bridle today and that did the trick. I bought him at the Newmarket July Sales (9,000 guineas)."