Jockey Ruby Walsh was seen at his both patient and strongest best when partnering Andrew Oliver's Appeal Denied to win the Premier Foods Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick today.

Appeal Denied, a former bumper winner and making his handicap debut, was held up by Walsh before progressing through the field to chase the leaders from the second last flight. Walsh cajoled the gelding into contention at the final flight but needed to be at his strongest to push Appeal Denied out for what eventually proved a four lengths win.

Oliver was not present for the win.