Trainer Tony Martin recorded a 1-2 in the Kerry Foods Rated Hurdle at Down Royal today as his Cassells Rock (9/4jf), under seven pounds claimer Donagh Meyler, beat stablemate Pires (7/1) by a length.

Meyler moved Cassells Rock to the front two out and from there the pair battled gamely to hold Pires.

Martin wasn't present but Meyler, recording a fourth career winner, stated "he did it well, and travelled and jumped well. He got away through the ground."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham