Donal Coffey’s five-hour trip from Carricktoole, Co Cork to a rain-sodden Down Royal paid off when he saddled Top Madam to win the opening two mile mares novice hurdle.

The six-year-old daughter of Beneficial (7/4) was given a front-running ride by Davy Condon who kept enough in reserve to fend off even money favourite Letherbelucky by three and a quarter lengths after the last.

The field only jumped eight of the proposed nine flights as the second last on the hurdle and chase tracks are omitted from racing tonight due to surface water. Bobbina completed the placings in third at 14/1 in the eight-runner contest.

An on-course gamble on Hepahepa Naeney (16/1 – 8/1) proved fruitless as she came in fourth.

“I knew she would stay. She was 4/1 in the morning before my five hour trip up!” trainer Donal Coffey said.

“I have two or three in training. She’ll have a break and go chasing in the future.”

Michael Graham