After saddling runner-up Round Tower in the opener, trainer Karl Thornton saw Colms Dream land the second race on Down Royal's card - the two and a half mile handicap hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding travelled well to lead two out and despite not being fluent at the last he was able to fend off a sustained challenge from runner-up Ancient Highway (7/1).

The winner went off the 9/2 joint favourite under Niall Kelly, having opened at 11/2. There was just a neck between the pair at the line. It was a further six and a half lengths back to Visible Light in third at 5/1.

This was Kelly's first win as a professional.

Karl Thornton said: "He was weighted to do it. In Leicester he was never going, he has had issues with his back and may have tweaked it. He's genuine and we'll keep him over hurdles until May. He's owned by the Colm's Dream Syndicate who are from Lusk and Skerries."

On Round Tower, who was runner-up in the first race, Thornton added: "He's not even back to himself. He twisted his back in the air when he was pulled up the last day [in Navan]. He was only here because he did a nice piece of work on Friday. I think he's a proper horse."

The winner had to survive a stewards enquiry. The result was left unaltered.