After successive victories at Downpatrick in August and September, Portnacoo was sent off 9/4 favourite for the Pro Solar NI, Sam Downey Memorial Handicap Hurdle and produced a game performance under top weight to bring up his hat-trick.

In front early, Darragh O'Keeffe's mount soon slotted in behind the leaders before going on again between the final two flights to beat perennial bridesmaid Breagagh by two lengths. 

Six-year-old Portnacoo had gone up 9lb in the ratings for each of his two previous victories and has been a credit to owner/trainer Harry Smyth who acquired the horse in early summer.

"It's getting easy! He's a super wee horse," said Smyth who is based in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. 

"I bought him for very small money. 

"He was very deficient in copper - copper turned him inside out. I give everything a course of copper when they come to me. 

"Not too many has done three (in a row at Downpatrick). With Downpatrick finishing up, I don't know what the plan will be."

Quotes from Michael Graham