Bose Ikard the 2/1 favourite, landed a telling blow in the two mile seven maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

The lightly-raced five-year-old Brian Boru gelding started to move into contention coming to the third last. He got on terms at the final flight and stayed on well up the hill for a seven-length success.

Trainer Noel Meade said: “He’s bred to be a stayer, his pedigree is all stamina. If the ground stays alright he’ll run again. He wants good ground. He’s very much a top of the ground horse. I thought a lot of him.”

Jockey Davy Condon commented: “The ground is tough out there and it was slow enough for him. It’s only his fourth ever run and he’s going to be a bit green. He’s better than that type of race. He stays well and that suited him.” Dashing Lady at 12/1 took second while All Fired Up was a further seven and a half lengths back in third at 20/1. Romeo Is Bleeding had plenty of on-course supporters from 3/1 to 9/4, but he could give no extra from the last and came in seventh.

Colin McBratney’s Butney Boy (7/2), who finished a well-beaten ninth, was examined by the turf club veterinary officer at the request of the stewards and was found to be lame post-race.