Draycott Place appreciated a major drop in class to open his account in the opening 2m2f maiden hurdle at Downpatrick.

Highly tried in Graded company this year including behind Beat That last month in the highest level at the Punchestown Festival, he made no mistake here under Paul Townend.

The 4/6 favourite made all the running and readily drew clear after the last.

Townend could afford to take things easy in the closing stages as the Oscar gelding came home nearly five lengths clear of Slim Pickens

Paddy’s Faith was a further 12 lengths adrift in third.

Winning trainer John Ryan said, “He’s a high class horse and Paul said he did it very easily. He idled in front but once he gave him a slap down the shoulder he took off.

“The penny’s dropped, and I want him for a good novice hurdle next year as he’s only a five-year-old.”

(MG & AM)